Mischa Dinsdale wasn’t yet born when all time Australian netball great Vicki Wilson rung down the curtain on her stellar international sporting career back in 1999.

But the promising 15-year-old Mercy College netballer is fully aware of the legendary goal shooter’s amazing achievements with our golden Diamonds national team.

Wilson chalked up 104 caps for the Diamonds during an illustrious 15-year career which included captaining Australia to a Commonwealth Games gold medal in Kuala Lumpur in 1998 and World Cup title in 1999 in Christchurch before her retirement.

The Queensland sharpshooter also featured in Australia’s triumphant World Cup-winning teams in Sydney (1991) and Birmingham (1995).

Mischa received the biggest thrill of her career at this year’s Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) Carnival in Mackay when she was named the Most Valuable Player for her team by tournament officials.

The centre court ace accepted the award from Vicki Wilson herself, who attended the five-day Carnival as a special guest, and was given a huge compliment from the former Diamonds captain.

Wilson, who has a sharp eye for talent, heaped praise on young Dinsdale after watching her perform strongly for Mercy College and help bring home the QISSN Division 6 championship trophy.

“Mischa has the ability to go a long way in netball if her performances at QISSN are any guide,” an appreciative Wilson told the gathering at Mackay Multisports Stadium.

“She has a lot of potential and was outstanding throughout the Carnival at centre where she truly inspired her teammates,” Wilson added.

An excited Mischa said she was “surprised but very happy” to receive the MVP Award and delighted to meet the Diamonds icon.

“I appreciate Vicki’s kind words and will cherish them – she is such a great ambassador for netball in Queensland and quick to offer encouragement and advice to up and coming players” revealed Mischa.

The determined Dinsdale continues to hone her skills with the Galaxy club in the Mackay Netball Association and has just been selected to participate in the Northern Mendi Rays Development Program based in Townsville.

The Rays compete in the HART Sapphire Series, a semi-professional state-wide league that provides homespun talent in North Queensland the opportunity to showcase their skills.

Mischa is part of a Mackay contingent of three that will join the Rays program along with Mercy College team mates and top prospects Sienna Uriarte (centre) and Havana Abbott (wing defence).

By Chris Karas

Mackay Galaxy Netball Club member Mischa Dinsdale has been selected to participate in the Northern Mendi Rays Development Program based in Townsville

‍

Perfectly cool running conditions warmed to a beautiful day on Sunday morning as over forty runners enjoyed the early morning annual Tri-ActiV8 Mackay Road Runners Bonsons Scrub Road 6km and 12km.

Eager athletes took to the Bonsons Scrub Road start line as runners set themselves a difficult challenge from the undulating first one kilometre towards Ian Reddacliff Drive’s testing peaks and troughs.  

Determined and focussed youngsters Toby Rule, Luke Leven and Oliver Rule had a great outing in the 12km course and Damien Rutland in the 6km, hitting the lead early and maintaining their scorching pace across the entire event.

Justin Rule, Kaye Nyenuh, Ricky Parker, Michael Feenaghty, Craig Andrews, Robin Stinson, Darrin Pullen, birthday boy Andrew Wallace, Alan Zamparutti, Andrew Short and John Couldrey were easily in control right from the get-go however were unfortunately unable to keep up with the younger legs of their lead rivals.

Jose Short had an outstanding run in the 12km, reaping the benefits of dedicated regular training and racing under Tri-ActiV8 by taking first in the girls, followed by Glynis Forse.

Excellent performances also came from Carol Dawes, Carmel Mahon, Brenda Windsor, Carol Brown, Jo Hughes and Geeta Ariani.

In out-of-town racing news, several locals ran the Sunshine Coast Marathon which resulted in excellent outcomes for Paul Mackenzie, Mick Vivian, Terese Hackney, Shelley Binney, Julie Whibley and Tim Magoffin.  

The next Mackay Road Runners event is the North Queensland Bulk Ports/Podiatry Mackay Magic Mile Club Championship Signature Event this Sunday morning from the Mackay Marina Harbour Breakwater entrance.

Legendary runner Ricky “The Flash” Parker (centre) flanked by Brenda Windsor (left) and Carol Brown (right)

Runners Alan Zamparutti (left) and Kay Nyenuh (right) appreciate volunteer, Greg Dawes (centre)

The 2022 Tri-ActiV8 winner Glynis Forse (left) with her awesome prize generously donated and presented by Tri-ActiV8 Coach Kerryn McDuff

Birthday boy Andrew Wallace takes time out of his celebrations to fit in an early morning run. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse

‍

Mercy College and St Patrick’s College dominated the inaugural Mackay All Schools Fast 4 Mixed Touch Football Championships staged recently at Norris Road Touch Fields in North Mackay – capturing two of the three age division trophies and sweeping all team relays in a masterful performance.

Organised by Northern Beaches High School stalwart Jamaiah Hutchinson, the event proved most successful with some of the region’s best touch football prospects demonstrating their skill and endurance in a competitive cauldron.

Leading the way were Mercy College’s all conquering 13 years team Can’t Touch Us – comprised of Queensland Under 12 touch football representative star Harper Shields; boom Magpies rugby league juniors Mason Muscat and Darcy Cabassi plus outstanding all round female athletes Vitea Parter, Jade Williams and Mia Davidson who clinched the title with a 3-2 triumph over Holy Spirit College in an epic Grand Final.

With the gifted Shields, the reigning Mackay Sports Person of the Year and State title-winning Capricornia captain calling the shots, the super slick Mercy combination recorded 8-0, 11-4 and 9-2 victories over Catherine McAuley College teams and thumped Northern Beaches High 10-0 to advance to the decider.

Muscat and Parter dashed over for crucial tries in the championship final which proved a thrilling contest.

It capped a big week for the naturally gifted Parter who was crowned Mercy College’s U/13 Girls Athletics age champion for 2022 just two days earlier.

Parter is also a talented five eighth with the Magpies U/14 womens rugby league team and scored a try in a 30-0 drubbing of Norths Devils last weekend.

Williams, a promising hooker with the U/14 Wanderers, nabbed two tries in a 26-8 win over Brothers to help her side remain undefeated after ten rounds.

The elusive Davidson is an exciting touch football prospect with the Magpies and Mackay representative teams and helped form a dynamic Mercy combination from all parts of the field.

St Patrick’s College White featuring rugby league playmaker Jaxon Purdue, Ethan Van Kerkwyk, Tenzin Contor, Madeline Benson and Madeline Doring outclassed St Patrick’s College Red 7-1 to win the Opens trophy.

Ben Pease, Bailey Caruana, Bradley Maneros, Keely Pitt and Paige Mooney turned in sharp performances for the runners up.

Purdue, a talented half back with St Patrick’s successful Opens rugby league side, had double reason to celebrate after also winning the Flick Pass competition with a spectacular half field pass from behind his back.

Holy Spirit College defeated Mackay State High to claim the Under 15s trophy.

Mercy’s Under 13 Haphephobia team which included Treyce Ciantar, Rourke Bagley, Harry Gordon, Matilda Clark, Tayla Lucas and Tahlia Jenson finished third after toppling Catherine McAuley College 9-1 in their play off.

In the Under 15s division, Mercy’s Too Fast But Not Serious team of Jala Brown, Courtney Harris, Maddy Mooney, Calvin Ramos, Eli Cookson and Miles Kerrisk also grabbed third spot with the Chiraptophobia side featuring Max Browne, Oscar Bishop, Jack Vella, Keeley Logan, Grace Bayns and Lucy McKendry finishing fourth.

By Chris Karas

Mercy College Under 13s Fast Four Mixed Touch Football championship-winning squad. L-R standing: Mason Muscat, Darcy Cabassi, Harper Shields; front Vitea Parter, Mia Davidson and Jade Williams

Triumphant St Patrick’s College White squad that won the Opens Fast Four Mixed Touch Football championship. L-R: Tenzin Contor, Madeline Benson, Ethan Van Kerkwyk, Jaxon Purdue and Madeline Doring

‍

Last weekend’s match between the QCCS Mackay Cutters and the Burleigh Bears also saw ladies looking pretty in pink, supporting the Women in League initiative.

It’s a movement which encourages inclusivity across the sport, from the mothers who take their kids to footy, the supportive partners on the sideline, to the growing number of women in the sport and involved with clubs at administrative, coaching and management levels.

This year’s event was hosted by Nadine Becker-Keir, owner of Elle Bache in Caneland Central. She said it’s an opportunity for the women in business and leaders of today to step up and show the next generation that they can be who they want to be if they work for it.

Photos supplied: Mackay Cutters

‍

The Mackay Cutters have announced Michael Comerford as the club’s 10th Hostplus Cup Head Coach for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Mr Comerford will take over from Dave Elliot who recently announced he will be departing the club to take on the Head Coach role at Norths Devils.

A former player and current Assistant Coach for the Cutters, Mr Comerford says the news was unexpected, but he’s excited to take on the role.

“A full-time opportunity in rugby league is something I’ve been really wanting over the last few years and to finally get that in my hometown at my club is very exciting for me,” he said.

Mr Comerford says the role has progressed from a part-time to a full-time role and he hopes to use the extra time to develop the club’s pathways.

“Keeping this playing group will be priority number one and, off the back of that, being in a full-time capacity now there’s a real opportunity to grow the football program and really go into a fair bit of detail with our planning and hopefully that translates into results on the field,” he said.

“Hopefully we do get that finals spot this year and, following the conclusion of this season, there’ll be a review process.

“Dave’s put us in a really good spot, I’m very comfortable with where we are at as a football program to take over from there and he deserves a lot of credit for that.”

The announcement came the day after the Cutters upset top-of-the-table Burleigh Bears at home on Sunday.

The Women in League Round clash started well for the Cutters with Kane Bradley opening the scoring in the third minute.

Try-scoring machine Alofiana Khan-Pereira crossed twice for the visitors before the Cutters snuck in three quick tries in eight minutes before half-time thanks to Gehamat Shibasaki, Adam Cook and Kyle Krisanski-Kennedy.

With the Cutters leading 24-14 at half-time, momentum swung the way of the visitors in the second half, scoring four unanswered tries in the first half hour of the second half to hold a lead of 26-34 with ten minutes to go.

The Cutters hit back in the final ten minutes thanks to Ross Bella and a second from Krisanski-Kennedy.

With both teams scoring six tries each, it was Adam Cook’s 6/6 conversions proving the difference with the Cutters winning 38-34.

The Cutters will return to BB Print Stadium on Saturday, taking on the second-placed Sunshine Coast Falcons in their last home game of the regular season.

Michael Comerford has been announced as the Mackay Cutters Hostplus Cup Head Coach for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Cutters defeated the Burleigh Bears to claim the Kerry Pattinson Memorial Shield for the first time since 2015. Photos supplied: Mackay Cutters

‍

With finals looming large, the club hosted a huge number of fixtures for round 17, including a few catch up matches on the card.

The biggest mover on the day was Dom Friend winning all three of his matches. The first was a 7/5 victory over top four rival Joe Wilson. He followed that up with two, seven nil wins over Jayden Lloyd and Lorraine Woods respectively.

Joe Wilson’s loss sees him lose more ground to both Jamie Woods and Jamie Maher at the top of the league table, each of whom had wins on Sunday.

Jamie Woods defeated Jayden Lloyd 7/1 and Jamie Maher had a 7/0 win over Gary Robbie, Jamie Maher hit a 180 in that game.

Aaron Paull had a 7/2 win over Nathan O’Hara and a 7/3 win over Andy Peel which keeps a firm grip on his finals spot, currently sitting in 7th.

Alan Green also had an important top 8 win on Sunday, with a 7/3 win over Kameron Reason. That defeat for Kameron Reason was a big blow for his finals chances, but with two rounds remaining, he may make it yet.

Andy Peel had a tough day on the board suffering 2 losses out of his 3 matches which drop him out of the top four for now. The victory he did have was a 7/3 win over Jayden Lloyd.

With only two rounds remaining, there’s still an awful lot to play for both ends of the table.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing.

As It Stands

1. J Woods 28pts

2. J Maher 28pts

3. D Friend 25pts

4. J Wilson 25pts

5. A Peel 22pts

6. A Green 19pts

7. A Paull 16pts

8. S Rose 14pts

9. K Reason 12pts

10. G Robbie 7pts

11. N O’Hara 5pts

12. J Lloyd 4pts

13. R Gallichan 3pts

14. L Woods 2pts

‍

With another great round of results in the seniors, it now looks like at least six of the eight Whitsunday United teams are heading to the finals series.

The club’s U14 Div1 side played the dominant side in their competition and made them work hard for their 2-0 win, even though we were down on players.

Unlucky to concede two goals in the first half, they held the Lions scoreless in the second. Josh Milostic was outstanding at left midfield.

The U14 Prems had a challenging game against an improving City Brothers. Also down on players through injury, the side had plenty of shots on goal that just didn’t find the net and put themselves in a difficult position conceding a goal.

An absolute screamer of a shot from Dani Kinnear equalised the scores at half time. There was no change to the score in the second half and the U14 Premiers hold on top place on the ladder. Hayden Milliken was tireless in defence and had a huge impact on the game.

The U16 played a Wanderers side that was determined to win and make sure of their finals spot. With a full squad, they came out hard and fast putting pressure on the Whitsunday side from the outset.

Despite conceding an early goal the local side rallied with Rale Mudford scoring a brilliant eqaulised. The game from one end to the other with both sides having opportunities but Wanderers made the most of them, running out 3-1 winners.

Tate Butler's determination and effort inspire the depleted Whitsunday side to be competitive till the end.

The ladies are turning up the heat in the run to the finals with Div 1 having a great 7-4 win against Country. Sari Goodall was dominant in attack as she found the back of the net an incredible 6 times. Dani Kinnear, stepping up to help from the U14's scored a great goal and made fantastic supporting runs.

The Premier Ladies had a solid 3-1 win against City Brothers. Sari Goodall scored twice with fantastic lead up play from Hazel Farrell and Steph Mills. Willow Gaffney got the third goal through a great strike from well outside the box.

A great team effort and showing great form at the right time of the season. Both Senior Men's teams played City Brothers with the Reserves Squad seeking a win to solidify their finals qualification.

With City Brothers just as keen to leapfrog Whitsunday on the table, the first half saw some good attacking football from both sides but the score was 0- 0 at half time.

Whitsunday opened the scoring in the second half with Scott Ferries calming scoring on the end of a cross. However, Brothers responded with two goals to hit the front. Whitsunday kept the composure and with goals to Scott Boldy and Cy Taylor ran away victors in a close game.

The Premier Men were looking to maintain their charge for the Premiership against a tired City Brothers side. With goals to Scott Ferries, Scott Boldy, Andrew Hodgen, Harry Hodgen (2), Josh Healey, Martyn Goodey, and a hat-trick for Hayden Filby the 10-2 win keeps their claim alive.

This weekend is the last big home round with 6 games at the Whitsunday Sports Park. Come on down and enjoy the action

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

‍

On Wednesday in Social bowls, Alen Sanderson and Bob Preston defeated Jim Bownds and Peter Lawton 23–17 to start the week.

Mike Harrison played double lead in a game of Triples where Mike, Arthur Griffith, and David Ling defeated Mike, Sandy Daffara, and Jim Quod 23-20.

On the weekend, 18 teams - with players from across the state: Cairns, Townsville, Ingham, Bowen, Pioneer Valley, Northern Beaches, Souths Suburban, Wests Tigers, Seaforth, Marian, North Mackay and Airlie Beach - played in five games of 17 ends.  

All bowlers showed a high level of skill combined with the very best of sportsmanship.

Round were won by the teams of Scott Wilson, Scott Hamilton, Wade Vidulich, Tony Koop and Barry Jackson.  

First place was taken out by Shane Spann, Luke Kinnear, Tim Taylor, and Harry Quod - all from Airlie Beach.  

Second place was taken out by Rick Dunn, Grahame Kinnear, and David Peet with the team a mixture of Proserpine, Souths Suburban and Northern Beaches players.  

Third Place was taken out by Michael Kinnear, Col Mark, Jason Kennedy, and Simon Linden; a mixed team of Proserpine and Souths Suburban.  

Fourth place was taken out by Gavin Milne, Steve Ridolfi, Wayne Handley, and Andrew Bell, a team of Proserpine and Souths Suburban.

We'd like to sincerely thank: our sponsors for the event Metropole Hotel, Cane Country Tyres, Anything Environmental and Crokers Fuel and Oil; the members who helped across the field; and Betty Petersen from Northern Beaches who assisted in the kitchen.

We wish Scott Kinnear every success this week as he plays in the Multi Disability Games at Chermside.  Some games are being live streamed on the BQ Facebook page.

Wishing Jonathan Bye all the best in the Champion of Champion Singles being played at Souths Suburban this coming weekend.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Winners of Under 200s Luke Kinnear, Harry Quod, Tim Taylor, and Shane Spann

‍

Monday Triples result: Winners for the afternoon B Dykstra, J Steele, and R Hayton defeated G Coleman, H Pineen, and I Dunn.

Tuesday: a great afternoon was had by all. Winners for the afternoon on a countback of ends were D Copland, P Vulcan, and M Hyde who drew with C Coonan, M Brunker, and C Parker.

Runners Up J Mescum, A Pearson, P Warren, and G Brownell defeated V Bossma, J Parker, L Palmer, and J Walsh.

Thursday winners for the afternoon J Christie, G Harvey, and P Aykens defeating S Pearson, and C Christgate Domingo.

Fun Friday: D Hallas, B Jackson, and R Boskma defeated L Palmer, R Hyde, and L Harris.

Friday Night Barefoot Bowls: Neville Leigh and Brian Dennis defeated Joan Sandra and Deb Harold, while Jamie, Les, Evan, and Peter defeated Kate, Wendy, Helen, and Anita. While Karen, June, Neil, and Ann defeating Darrell, Mark, Geoff, and Allan, Jan, and Mark defeated Leigh, Brian, and Allan.  

Sunday: With a full green of triples the annual Tracey Trophy was played with a lot of enthusiasm.

Pat and Neil always put on a great trophy afternoon and this year was no exception. A great afternoon tea and then delicious soup after the game.

Winners for the afternoon were J Harvey, B Bellingham, and P Aykens.

Mixed Pairs Competition: P Warren A Rolfe d R Stitt M Drummond.

Good luck to our ladies who are playing in the North Qld District Championships in Townsville this week.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Winners of Tracey Trophy Day, Neil Tracey, Pearl Aykens, Jan Harvey, Brain Bellingham, and Pat Tracey

‍

Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford for both Men and Ladies.  Ladies’ winner Viv Clark 37 points, runner up on a countback Michelle Campbell, 36.  

Men’s winner on a countback France Willman 39 points, runner up Mike Conroy, 39.

The weekend’s competition was the Men’s A, B, and C Grade Club championships, with a well done to all that played both days.  

Thank you to Brent Stocker Electrical for your sponsorship.

A Grade Gross winner and 2022 Club Champion is Akeam Power, A Grade Gross runner up Jeremy Chrzanowski, A Grade Nett Winner Greg Fairs, nett runner up Mitchell Greenbank.  

B Grade Gross winner Jason Craig, Gross runner up Craig Newell, B Grade Nett winner Ray Campbell, runner up Ray Sellen.  

C Grade Gross winner Colin Shaw, runner up Robert Byles.  Nett winner Andrew Glossop, nett runner up Peter Theodossio.  

Pin shots over the weekend went to Brendon Wells, Akeam Power, Greg Fairs, Brett Richards, Jason Craig, Rod Wells, Andrew Need.  Benny Bon won the carwash voucher with an OBP.

This weekend’s competitions start with a Single Stableford on Saturday sponsored by Refrigerated Technologies.  

Sunday is the annual 27-hole mixed foursome championships sponsored by Grand View Hotel.  Don’t forget to check the clubs Facebook page for this week’s dinner menu.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Men’s A Grade Gross runner up Jeremy Chrzanowski, Gross winner Akeam Power, B Grade Gross winner Jason Craig, Gross runner up Craig Newell

Mens A Grade Nett winner Greg Fairs, B Grade Nett runner up Ray Sellen, B Grade Nett winner Ray Campbell

‍

Great to see so many players out today for the August Monthly Medal, with fourteen women and seventeen men including two visitors from Traralgon Golf Club.

Gary Scotford took out the Medal with 70, followed by Barry Mortimer 72, and Barry Shuwalow on a countback also with 72.  

Mandy Patterson won the Medal with an excellent score of 65 followed by Jacqui Wall 70 and Tiina Randmae 72.  

Nearest the pins went to Barry Shuwalow, Phil Luckett, Mandy Patterson, Robyn Whitham (in the hole), Elspeth Scotford (in the hole), Jan Shuwalow and Helen Deighton.

Least putts was Barry Shuwalow 27 and Helen and Jan tied with 29. A great day for the Shuwalows who also won the raffle.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Mandy Patterson and Gary Scotford

‍

Over the weekend, Tora Delac, Jacob Bell, and Jy Parkinson competed at the Queensland Short Course Championships in Brisbane.

Coach, Mark Erickson was very impressed with his swimmers, who achieved 17 personal bests (PBs) from 20 swims.

Jy Parkinson was presented with one silver and six bronze medals. All his swims placed him in the Queensland ‘Top 10’.  

He won the silver medal for his 200-metre Freestyle in an excellent time of 1.53.21.  He won bronze medals for his 200-metre Butterfly, 200-metre Backstroke, 100-metre Backstroke, 100-metre Freestyle, 100-metre Butterfly and 400-metre Freestyle.

Jy swam an exceptional 200-metre Butterfly in 2.07.11 which was an 8.39sec personal best.  He also swam super 400-metre Freestyle in 4.03.56 which was a 5.94 second personal best.  

Jacob Bell opened the championships with a gold medal in 1500-metre Freestyle.  He swam his 1500-metre Freestyle in 17.27.90.  He also swam an awesome time of 4.20.61 in his 400-metre Freestyle to earn 10th place.  His 50-metre Backstroke also earned him a 0.75sec personal best.  

11-year-old Tora Delac thoroughly enjoyed the championships.  She swam five PBs out of her six swims.  She was very excited with her 50-metre Freestyle time of 32.66 (1.39 sec personal).  Another of her best events was her 50-metre Backstroke, which took over two seconds off her previous best time.

Congratulations Jy, Jacob and Tora. The Cannons would thank the parents and coaches, Mark and Ken Crittenden for supporting the swimmers.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Cannons State SC Team 2022

Jacob bell at Qld Short Course

Jy and Mark at State SC championships

‍

I was introduced to fishing by my father at a very early age and have a lot of fond memories fishing with him over the many years since. We kept that bond of spending time together fishing right up until his recent passing.

So, it’s been a particular pleasure of mine to see so many young anglers on board this year with their parents (mostly dad!) catching their first fish. Fishing is such a great pastime, getting the kids outdoors and Peter Faust Dam provides the perfect platform for the junior anglers because of the calm conditions. And the quick travel time to the fishing spots means the shorter attention spans are kept interested!

Most of the juniors are fishing on school holidays or weekends but one particularly lucky young man, Lachie, got to take the day off school because it was a present for his 10th birthday. He had a great day on the water with 5 fish to 97cm and he has the makings of a real gun angler.

Chloe visited the Whitsundays with her father Joel. Both do a fair bit of fishing at home on the Sunshine Coast and own a boat themselves, although it was Chloe’s introduction to barra fishing and an introduction she’s unlikely to forget with her first barra measuring in at an impressive 101cm.

Young Dillan persevered through a rainy day last month for a 101cm which almost matched his dad Luke’s 105cm! And John brought his grandson Hamish to the dam hoping to pass on his love of barra fishing to the young man. He succeeded and they will make the trip again together next year to see if he can best his 101cm fish!

Luke Fallon | Luke Fallon Sport & Game Fishing | www.fishingfaust.com.au

Chloe caught her first bara at a whopping 101cm and her dad Joel

Dillan and his dad Luke both took home a massive catch

Young Hamish

Lachie took a day off school to go fishing for his 10th birthday

‍

With another great round of results in the seniors, it now looks like at least six of the eight Whitsunday United teams are heading to the finals series.

The club’s U14 Div1 side played the dominant side in their competition and made them work hard for their 2-0 win, even though we were down on players.

Unlucky to concede two goals in the first half, they held the Lions scoreless in the second. Josh Milostic was outstanding at left midfield.

The U14 Prems had a challenging game against an improving City Brothers. Also down on players through injury, the side had plenty of shots on goal that just didn’t find the net and put themselves in a difficult position conceding a goal.

An absolute screamer of a shot from Dani Kinnear equalised the scores at half time. There was no change to the score in the second half and the U14 Premiers hold on top place on the ladder. Hayden Milliken was tireless in defence and had a huge impact on the game.

The U16 played a Wanderers side that was determined to win and make sure of their finals spot. With a full squad, they came out hard and fast putting pressure on the Whitsunday side from the outset.

Despite conceding an early goal the local side rallied with Rale Mudford scoring a brilliant eqaulised. The game from one end to the other with both sides having opportunities but Wanderers made the most of them, running out 3-1 winners.

Tate Butler's determination and effort inspire the depleted Whitsunday side to be competitive till the end.

The ladies are turning up the heat in the run to the finals with Div 1 having a great 7-4 win against Country. Sari Goodall was dominant in attack as she found the back of the net an incredible 6 times. Dani Kinnear, stepping up to help from the U14's scored a great goal and made fantastic supporting runs.

The Premier Ladies had a solid 3-1 win against City Brothers. Sari Goodall scored twice with fantastic lead up play from Hazel Farrell and Steph Mills. Willow Gaffney got the third goal through a great strike from well outside the box.

A great team effort and showing great form at the right time of the season. Both Senior Men's teams played City Brothers with the Reserves Squad seeking a win to solidify their finals qualification.

With City Brothers just as keen to leapfrog Whitsunday on the table, the first half saw some good attacking football from both sides but the score was 0- 0 at half time.

Whitsunday opened the scoring in the second half with Scott Ferries calming scoring on the end of a cross. However, Brothers responded with two goals to hit the front. Whitsunday kept the composure and with goals to Scott Boldy and Cy Taylor ran away victors in a close game.

The Premier Men were looking to maintain their charge for the Premiership against a tired City Brothers side. With goals to Scott Ferries, Scott Boldy, Andrew Hodgen, Harry Hodgen (2), Josh Healey, Martyn Goodey, and a hat-trick for Hayden Filby the 10-2 win keeps their claim alive.

This weekend is the last big home round with 6 games at the Whitsunday Sports Park. Come on down and enjoy the action

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

‍

What a weekend for Whitsunday United with brilliant performances across all age groups.

The wins came early with both Division 1 Men and Women travelling to Mackay for their games. The Men's side faced off against Lions and continued their good form by bringing back three points in a 3-0 win. Goals came from the boots of Josh Lowe, Jake Flaherty, and Phillip Mcallister.

A story of resilience from the Div1 Women – barely able to get a team together for the fixture and on the verge of forfeiting before the match had even begun, they called on some injured players.

The Women’s side then managed to pull off a fairy tale victory against Sarina with a final score of 11-1. Three girls scored a hat-trick of goals: Kirsty Smith, Abi Worby, and Sonya Quod all finding the back of the net with regularity.

Mabel Gudes scored a couple to top off a memorable night. Keely Salty displayed the courage and grit starting to become a Whitsunday trademark, taking off her moon boot to play in goals and help her team. Super star!

U14 Div1 continued their superb form against Rangers and were in control from the start with an early goal to Charlie Fendley opening the floodgates.

Goals from Jacob Godden, Josh Faletti, and Harry Squires had the score at 5-0 at half time. After a dominant first half, the intensity dropped and the final score was 6-1 – a convincing win.

Unfortunately, the unbeaten U14 Premiere side didn’t play due to a forfeit from the opposition.

Whitsunday Sports Park hosted the action from 3pm on Saturday. The U16 Prems stepped up the pressure after a slow start and didn’t waste time getting on top of the Dolphins side – racing to a 3-0 lead at half time.

The second was an impressive display of teamwork, creating opportunity after opportunity, and hitting the post four times, the final score was 4-1. A satisfying result with two goals each to Kobi Miller and Jazz Knezevic. Lincoln Sokolski-Fricker was outstanding in defence and with his attacking raids.

Our Premier Women played the top of the table Lions side and faced an uphill battle with a limited player roster. Coach Peter Farrell was pleased with the team's effort: "To go down by only two goals against Lions is an impressive result with the players we have missing at the moment,” he said.

Both Men's sides were pumped and ready to take on both Lion's sides in their respective grades in front of a large and vocal home crowd. Particularly the Men’s Whitsunday Premiers team, who would tackle the Premiership leading Lions.

The U23's started off the proceedings and dominated from the outset, putting the Lions off their usual game with fast and physical play. With James Vodicka (1) and Nick Hansen (2) doing the damage, the satisfying 3-0 victory puts the side in strong contention for the finals with three teams tied on 16 points, but Whitsundays having two games in hand over the others.

In the match of the day, the Whitsunday Premier Men were determined to avenge previous losses and make a claim for the Premiership - and what a statement they made.

In a hard and physical game played at a furious pace, the Whitsunday Men were the better side all over the park. The yellow cards were flying with neither side taking a backward step but ultimately it was the class and speed of the Whitsunday squad that won through.

Led by displays of individual brilliance by midfielder Scott Ferries, as well as Hayden Filby, the home side rallied for an emphatic 3-1 victory. Goals from Hayden Filby - running into the centre of the box, striking the ball into the side netting - and two penalties, one from Tommy Torzsok, and the other from Ben Seago, inspired the victory.

The team song rang out loud and clear over the sports park that night.

With four games left in the season, the Men’s Premier Side are closing in on a potential league title should they win the remainder of their games. They played Mackay Magpie Crusaders on Wednesday – a result not known at the time of writing.

Whitsunday United’s Women Div1 girls with three goals a-piece! A massive effort from Kirsty Smith, Sonya Quod, and Abi Worby!

It was a huge win for the Division 1 side, which set the tone for a miracle weekend across the entire club

Keely Salter took off her moonboot and put on the gloves in a display of commitment

Mabel Gudes with two goals in the game, her reward for constant hard work

‍