Sports

Purple Passion Rides High For Pancreatic Cancer Awareness

Purple Passion Rides High For Pancreatic Cancer Awareness

The 2025 Charity Horse Ride and Bush Muster, hosted by Breakaway Horse Riders Mackay, was a powerful show of community spirit, purple pride and heartfelt purpose — with thousands of dollars raised in support of vital health causes including cancer research, heart disease research, and the Mackay Base Hospital Oncology Unit. More than 170 riders saddled up for the annual event, which this year shone a spotlight on pancreatic cancer awareness, honouring survivors like lunchtime speaker Greg

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At The Table

At The Table

Steve Mathieson Adds Flavour To Players’ Lounge With Restyled Jim Beam Bottle The players’ lounge at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre has become an even better spot to unwind after some spirited rallies on the court. Thanks to morning fixtures organiser Steve Mathieson, the lounge now boasts a uniquely restyled bottle of Jim Beam—a creative touch that’s already turning heads. Steve dedicated two hours to transforming the bottle into a decorative feature for the lounge, where players cool off wi

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Runners Rise To The Challenge At Annual Grove Handicap

Runners Rise To The Challenge At Annual Grove Handicap

Over forty runners took part in the annual Grove 10km Handicap Trophy and 5km events on the weekend, continuing a proud 32-year tradition from the same starting point at the Andergrove Tavern on Andergrove Road. The Mackay Road Runners Club extends its sincere appreciation to The Grove for its ongoing support of this iconic event, which remains a key fixture on the Club’s racing calendar. The prestigious 10km Handicap Trophy is awarded to the first male or female to cross the finish line based

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Mackay Contract Bridge Club 30 May

Mackay Contract Bridge Club 30 May

Mackay’s Successful Approach To Attracting And Retaining New Players Sunday saw eighteen novice players (under 100 MP’s) take part in a competition, each supported by an experienced player. Held on the last Sunday of each month, this regular Novice and Mentor event offers a valuable opportunity for beginners to play alongside and learn from more seasoned players. Following six weeks of lessons and ongoing supervised play provided by Frances, Geoff, and their dedicated teams, participants gain co

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Better Built Sheds

Airlie Beach Parkrun

August 24, 2023

This week, in cool conditions, 61 motivated people ran, jogged and walked the 5km oceanfront course, of whom 9 were first timers and 8 recorded new Personal Bests.

Well done to Ryker, Aaron, Jodie, Michael, Toni, Jane, Wendy and Shane, and Laura was recognised for reaching the 25 weeks as a volunteer milestone.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then 3,819 participants have completed 20,747 parkruns covering a total distance of 103,735 km, including 2,451 new Personal Bests. A total of 334 individuals have volunteered 2,848 times.

On the 28th of May Airlie Beach parkrun is cancelled as the Cruisin Whitsunday Show and Shine 2022 will be setting up vehicles on the grass area of Coral Sea Marina.

Parkrunners are encouraged to go to Bowen parkrun, Hamilton Island parkrun or Mackay parkrun instead.

On the 4th of June Airlie Beach parkrun invite the community to join them for parkrun and then a post parkrun picnic at Shingley Beach.

Food can be brought from home or purchase counter food from My Rainbow Bakery. To make it a picnic event to remember, participants are encouraged to wear their favourite event T-Shirt.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

Laura has volunteered for 25 weeks

Running through scenic Shingley Beach

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Airlie Bowls News

August 24, 2023

The weeks roll on at Airlie Beach Bowls Club, with Tuesday seeing 18 bowlers going hammer and tong.

Ladies A and B Grade singles contested through Stacey Hadlow’s winning team with Juanita Matterson at lead and Lyn Graham collecting the prize money.

Ladies B Grade semi-final will now be played between Bev Taylor and Jill Mazlin-Peterson.

The Ladies A Grade singles semi-final score was 23 all on the penultimate end between Betty Nicole and Ladda Purdie.

Ladda claimed the win 25-23.

In the Grand Final she faced Henny Tattam, who won comfortably in the end.

Wednesday afternoon welcomed the Little Rock Bowls Club’s Ian Boulter and 22 players contesting the prize.

Shane Spann, Col Morris, and Elaine Kippen claimed victory on the day.

Wednesday night saw Business House Bowls in full swing, with PRD beating Whitsunday Gold Coffee’s B team 11-6.

Hadlow Racing beat out Woolies Allsorts team 10-5, while Whitsunday Coffee’s Gold A team won 13-9.

Saturday Men’s Pennants teams Divisions 4, 5, and 6 all played at home. Division 4 lost to North Mackay team 4-1.

Division 5 played Mackay Northern Beaches team had games like the 55-17 win, leading them to claim the overall prize.

Division 6 played a very strong Southern Suburbs team, with the overall score favouring the suburbs teams 4 points to 1.

Sunday, three teams travelled to Mackay with Divisions 4 and 6 playing RSL.

Division 4 salvaged a draw but overall score was 4.5 to 5, and Division 6 played well in patches but ultimately lost 5 points to nil.

Division 5 played against Mackay City in two games which finished 40 all, and came home even on 2.5 points.

Division 1 had an outstanding win against Proserpine with 5.5 points to .5 win.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Hanny Tattam, winner of the A Grade Singles

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Proserpine Bowls News

August 24, 2023

Last Wednesday, there was a game of Club Championship Pairs played between Bryan Davy and Luchie Gardel defeating Martin Corr and David Ling to start off the week.

The day also hosted three games of social bowls with four bowlers from Airlie Beach getting in some practice on the grass.

Jim Bownds, Arthur Griffith, and Andrew Butler defeated Heather McKinnon, Bruce Uhe and John Fielding 22-21.

Ken Watts, John Lahney, and Peter Lawton defeated John Anderson, Pat Bownds, and Bryce McKinnon 23 – 15.

Russell Jackson and Sandy Daffara defeated Allan Pershouse and Garry Alexander 35 - 16.

Pennants was played on the weekend.

Division 1 had two home games, narrowly losing to Airlie Beach 51-57 and scoring 0.5 points for a draw on one rink.

On Sunday the team backed up for the game against Northern Beaches winning 70 - 57.

On Sunday afternoon Social bowls, John Anderson played double lead.  

John, Alen Sanderson, Kendall Watts and Sandy Daffara drew with John, Ken Watts, John Lahney and Arthur Griffith 21 all.

During the week, Scott Kinnear has been playing in the Vision Impaired competition in Brisbane and currently leads in both singles and pairs with a few more games still to be played.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Division 1 game on Sunday with Toby Craig taking instruction from skip Gavin Milne

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Wangaratta Bowls Report

August 24, 2023

Last Tuesday saw winners for the afternoon Hugh Sutton and Penny Warren defeat John Hayson and Rose Wright, as well as Robyn Stitt, Isobel Wheeler, and Kev Baxter defeat Deb Retchless, Marg Wilson, and Mark Drummond.

Tuesday was a huge day as Chris Reddick, Irene Laird, and Wayne Reddick rounded out the day with a win over Deb Beel, Merle Elphinstone, and Larry Wright.

Sunday winners for the afternoon were George Tartaglea, Isobel Wheeler, and Chris Healey defeating Eileen Dunn, Sue Shearing, and Denis Madeley.

Others Toni Bowen, Chris Frew, and Hugh Sutton defeated Deb Beel, John Hayson, and Bob Dykstra, with Marcia Arthur, Merle Elphinstone, and Pat Tracey defeating Deb Retchless, Lorraine Knight, and Margaret Wilson.

Irene Laird, Penny Warren, and Keith Armstrong defeated Chris Reddick, Ken Coad, and Robyn Stitt, while Denise Wallace, Lyn Danvers, and Larry Wright defeated Rose Wright, Jen Healey, and Wayne Reddick.

Congratulations to the Wangaratta Men who won the Country Cup at Brandon on Sunday.

Club Competition Final of Ladies Fours was played on Saturday morning.

A close game resulted in Robyn Stitt, Tracey Roach, Margaret Wilson, and Fely Duncan defeating Denise Wallace, Sue Shearing, Val Hadley, and Penny Warren.

Good luck to the Men representing Wangaratta playing in the Red Pennant in the Burdekin at the end of this week.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Winners Club 4's 2022

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Bowen Golf News

August 24, 2023

Wednesday’s competition was an eclectic one for the ladies’ and a single stableford for the men.  

Ladies’ winner Grace Nott, 34 1/8, runner up Michelle Campbell, 34 3/8.  

Pin shots to Raewyn Glover, Lisa Raisbeck, Marg Need and Gayle Bynes, and Men’s winner Doug Power 37 points, runner up Noel Schultz 36 points.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford sponsored by Tropix Refrigeration.

Men’s winner Malcolm Martin 40 points, runner up Toss Eisemann 39 points, with pin shots to Tim Miller, Ernie Parker, Michael Strickett, Kurt Bidgood.  

Ladies’ winner Paulette Barrett 42 points, runner up Julie Martin 39 points. Pin shots to Julie Martin, Robyn Slade, Judi Morris, Lorraine McArthur.  

Accuracy drives to Julie May and Perry Layton. Greg Fairs won the carwash voucher

This weekend begins with a single stableford on Saturday sponsored by LiveLife Pharmacy.  

On Sunday, the Bowen Golf club welcomed back professionals for the annual Pro-Am sponsored by Abbot Point Operations.  

There will be a shoot-out after the competition on Sunday, with spectators welcome all day.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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On The Whitsunday Green

August 24, 2023

Place scores for the weekly 9-hole stableford were Tyson Flavel on 22, Rob Lodders on 20 and Mick Bond on 19 points.  

Friday's 9-hole stableford was won this week by David Wallace on 19 points. Lorri Thynne and Tyson Flavel both came in with 18 points however it was Lorri that won the count back to take second.

Sundays 4 ball better ball was won by Wayne and Adam Singleton on 41 nett, followed by Dave Wallace and Alan Clinch on 44.5.

Nearest to pins were Rhys Bartholomew and Adam Singleton.

Cory Belke is the first to complete his Kids coaching clinic with Glenn Rees and the interest from ladies commencing the clinics is growing.

The final Monthly Medal for the year will be held this Sunday with the Medal of Medallist scheduled for 5 June.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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Pickleball Whitsunday

August 24, 2023

Sunshine and pickleball paddles made for rainbows and smiles on Thursday afternoon.

There were four courts featuring games like ladies doubles featuring Amity and Demelza against Robyn and Gay.

Lorraine and Yoko played against Gerry and Murray, as well as Michael and Kate pitting themselves against Stu and Frank.

First time players Bob and Lyn joined in for a wonderful afternoon.

On Saturday the sun let the rain take over and no Pickleball played.

Paddles Up till next week! 4pm Thursday Afternoon and 7am Saturday Morning

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

Bob and Lyn

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Tennis Whitsunday

August 24, 2023

Saturday morning pupils arrived in wet weather and chilly conditions but this inspired brilliant footwork from the Saturday Morning Squad.

Coach Sienna brought out the ladder and it was Sophie who set the pace for the rest of the Squad to follow.

Saturday morning had a special visit from Lily, who took the opportunity to do a private lesson, then followed this up by coaching young William

Unfortunately due to the ratty conditions Saturday morning Social tennis did not make it on court, however Saturday arvo social tennis played the odds, and Marlene and Norm kept everyone on their toes.

Earlier in the week Fit, fun tennis the original and best cardio workout on a tennis court made it back, and the girls were elated to be exercising while having fun.

All squads were busily involved working on their singles play. Well done to Sienna, Karl, Tan, Lacey, Lucas and Jack.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

The agility ladder was the big feature in the rainy week at Whitsunday Tennis

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Festival of Football for Whitsunday United

August 24, 2023

After rain cancellations the previous weekend the weather gods were kind and a festival of football began at the Whitsunday Sports Park.

All eight Whitsunday United teams took to the field in the same location for the first time this year.

The day started with a rampant U14 Premiers continuing their great form and literally tearing apart the visiting Magpies 8-0.

Jacob Logan bagged a couple of goals, but six other players contributed to the score line showing the quality of this side. The win cements them top of the ladder.

The U16 Premiers were slow out the blocks, looking lethargic and disjointed against a much improved Magpies unit.

They came in at half time tied 4-4.

An animated half time chat from coach Luke Swift did the trick and the team fired up in the second half running in 5 unanswered goals.

Jazz Knezevic, Kobi Miller, and Tyler Jankowski all ran in two goals, with Rale Mudford and Zane Hill contributing a couple as well. The side now sits in second place on the ladder.

The U14 Div1 team also continued its winning form against Sarina with a 7-0 victory on the back of some great teamwork and spectacular football. Jacob Godden scored a hat trick with Kai Draper backing him up with 2 goals. The win will put them in a clear second place on the ladder.

The Women had a great round with the Div 1 side recording a strong win against Sarina 2-0. Highlights included Francesca Norbury Trueman and Mabel Gudes scoring their first goals of their careers.

The Premier Women's Squad faced off against top of the table and title favourites Mackay Lions in a game that flowed from one end to the other.

Coach Peter Farrell was impressed with the speed and quality of the game and felt that his side was unlucky not to at least come away with a draw.

The Whitsunday Men faced an uphill battle in the lower divisions with upwards of 10 regular players missing. Div 1 put up a strong fight against the Mackay Lions going down 5-1.

Reserves were defeated with many Div 1 players having to back up for a second game.

The Premier men played a nail biter against the strong Mackay Lions. After missing an early penalty, the home side worked hard playing into the wind to Keep Lions to 1-0 at half time, with the midfielders Scott Ferries and James McEvoy-Bowe working hard to create opportunities for Ben Seago and Harry Hodgen up front.

The second half was all Whitsunday – dominating possession and field position but despite hitting the goal posts three times, they were unable to score and against the run of play, Lions scored a second goal – winning 2-0.

A very encouraging display against the top team in the competition considering three of our top players were unavailable.

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Raiders Remain Undefeated

August 24, 2023

The Mama Africa Raiders travelled to Bowen on Saturday to take on the old rivals Bowen Mudcrabs at their home grounds.

The coaching staff were prepared for the traditional hard slog and close scoring that has played out between the sides for decades.

Raiders had to travel with a few less reserves than normal, but this has never been an excuse not to perform at their best.

With a stiff breeze behind them Bowen brought it rom the start. The first 35 minutes was a tussle between both forwards and backs and was played between the 22mtr lines of both sides. Until Bowens forwards went over the line through a strong pick and drive play.

Half time came around and the raiders were behind 5 nil.

With the penalty count climbing for the home side, Raiders crept ahead through the boot of Hone Casey-Bloomer and Connor Spence to see them lead at the 65th minute mark 12 -5.

The game wasn’t over by any means, with a large and vocal group of local supporters, Bowen was never out of it.

All until young gun Jack Briskey scooted through the defensive line, again, and scored Raiders only try of the game at the 77th minute mark, leading now 17 – 5.

Bowen managed to turn the ball over after the kick off and a couple of phases later had a 20-metre line break, only to be shut down by the hard-working Raiders defence.

The Raiders boys then advanced up field for a few more phases until the final whistle went.

Raiders win 17-5.

With the whistle blown and the crowd cheering both teams, the mighty Raiders managed to complete round one of three undefeated and currently holding the number one spot on the ladder.

This does not mean the remaining rounds are going to be easy, in fact the direct opposite; they expect tough games from all the MRU clubs.

This game was not only the completion of round 1, but it was also the first of a three-game series to see who can win the inaugural Eclipse Financial Service Cup.

This series has been proudly started by ex-Muddies player and Eclipse Financial Services managing director Justin Butler and will be played out on the Raiders home game, June 18 and finally at Bowen on the August 6.

Mama Africa Raiders players of the day went to our #10 Dylan Hoffmann 1 pt, lock and big brother Joel Hoffmann 2pts and to young gun winger Jack Briskey 3 pts.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

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Sea Eagles Juniors Winning Form

August 24, 2023

Whitsunday Sea Eagles Juniors hit the road to Mackay and Sarina on Saturday in less-than-ideal conditions, with Seniors having the bye and a postponed round for the Women against the Swans due to ground suitability and safety.

Sea Eagles Under 17s took on Bakers Creek to consolidate after an amazing win against Moranbah last week in a comfortable 73 – 13 win.

Bailey Wishart and Jack Jeffries continued to excel through the middle with Wishart’s mark play of the day.

Sea Eagles forward line saw Cody Love, Huntah Miall and Max Baker working under the guidance of Jacob Dewis and Brodan Cornwall to make an impact on the scoreboard. The ever reliable midfield Aidan Allen-Fancke, Kain Zacher, Foxx LaMonica, Jordan Daniels and Jacob Dewis continue to improve and deliver the ball with precision to the forward line.

In what was always set to be an even contest Sea Eagles Under 14s faced Bakers Creek. The first half saw both teams work hard to finish with only one goal apart at half time.

Special efforts from Cody Love and Molly Bennett in the third saw Sea Eagles stretch the lead out to 9 points with Sea Eagles using the breeze in the final term to finish up 46 – 23.

Sea Eagles Under 12s had a wet match down at Brewers Park against Sarina Demons improving their now experienced wet weather skills.

Maintaining possession in the Sea Eagles forward line for the almost the entire game saw Sea Eagles take it out 46 – 0.

All Sea Eagles teams play in Mackay this coming Saturday May 28 for the final Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous round at Harrup Park against the Mackay City Hawks and Swarks.

Juniors start from 9:35am, Senior Women 3:30pm and Senior Men at 5:00pm.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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Cutters Crumble Against Seagulls

August 24, 2023

Wynnum Manly Seagulls headed to the Sugar City for Round 9’s Respect Round at BB Print Stadium against the Mackay Cutters.

The home side faced off in a wet and wild Friday night fixture, hoping to bounce back from defeat against the Bears at Pizzey Park.

The Seagulls, who were sitting pretty in 6th and hoping to make a berth for top four, had other plans for the local side, though.

Cutters were first to score through Blake Paskins, but Manly fired back with a four pointer.

The first half was a tight affair, with Cutters scoring again with seven left in the first half, with Luke Webley crossing in the dying embers – leaving Cutters in the lead.

Second half began with Tristan Hope crossing for the Seagulls before they crossed again with a four pointer. Manly were on a tear and kept scoring, capitalising on a floundering Cutters side.

Cutters were slow to it and conceded again near the end, leaving the game 10-28.

The Sugar City side are now up against the Blackhawks on June 4 in Townsville, hoping to stay in the chase for a good finish come the end of the season.

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Sharp Running Simon St Patrick’s Trump Card

August 24, 2023

Making an impact on the schoolboy rugby league scene is St Patrick’s College Mackay centre Kai Simon.

The dashing 17-year-old colt has caught the eye of sporting pundits with his dynamic performances this season at school and Junior League level.

Simon is one of the players to watch in a strong St Patrick’s Open team that will be competing for honours in this year’s CQ University Confraternity Shield Rugby League Carnival to be staged in Mackay from June 26 to July 1.

The fleet-footed centre - who is under contract to the North Queensland Cowboys – was at his elusive best as St Patrick’s College tuned up for the CONFRO Carnival with a hard-fought 16-14 trial win over reigning Aaron Payne Cup premiers St Brendan’s College Yeppoon last week at Leprechaun Park Mackay.

Simon nabbed a try and two goals and menaced the Yeppoon side with his tricky running in an impressive display in the wet conditions.

Other players to shine for St Patrick’s were clever halves Jaxon Purdue and Ethan Van Kerkwyk and rampaging forward Matthew Watts.

St Patricks jumped to a 12-4 lead following tries by talented hooker Xavier Korrisk and the quicksilver Simon before St Brendan’s bridged the gap with a converted try before the interval.

Speedy 16-year-old winger Bailey Anderson extended St Patrick’s lead with a fine try after the break before the visitors registered their third four pointer late in the match.

St Patrick’s coach Michael Comerford was pleased with his team’s overall performance in an absorbing contest.

“I was very happy with our attack in the opening 25 minutes and our defensive effort in the final twenty,” said Mr Comerford.

“We experimented with some combinations and several squad members grabbed their opportunity against some tough opposition.”

MEANWHILE Mercy College Mackay Year 10 side toppled St Brendan’s 34-28 in a high scoring trial match at Leprechaun Park.

Powerful centre Toby Woodall, lock forward Javen Ramsamy, skilful half back Adam McSherry, fullback Coby Cabassi and tireless forward Campbell Grisan-Hodges turned in strong games for Mercy under the guidance of coach Ian Schifilliti.

Mercy College will kick off their 2022 Aaron Payne Cup campaign against Mackay State High School on Friday June 1.

Contributed by Chris Karas

Talented St Patrick’s College centre Kai Simon on the attack during his side’s Year 10 trial win over St Brendan’s Yeppoon

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Cruisin' The Coast In Cool Conditions

August 24, 2023

Runners took on the sand of Sarina Beach for the 2022 Cruisin' the Coast Fun Run on Sunday hosted by the Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club.

Participants took part in a variety of distances, with 3km to half marathon runs and walks on offer.

Paul McKenzie took out the inaugural half marathon, finishing the 21km run in just over an hour and 40 minutes.

Sarah Manttan crossed first in the 10km run with Brayden Manttan winning the 5km run.

John White was first across the line in the 5km walk and Nate Brady smashed out the 3km distance to claim first.

The sun made a brief appearance on Sunday for the Cruisin' the Coast Fun Run at Sarina Beach

Paul McKenzie won the inaugural Cruisin' the Coast half marathon

Sarah Manttan crossing the line first in the 10km

Bendigo Bank sponsored the event and participated in the 5km walk. Photos: supplied

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On the Green at Goosies

August 24, 2023

Our second division pennants team had three losses to Northern Beaches at Northern Beaches last Saturday, but on Sunday had three wins at Seaforth against Seaforth. Other results were not known at this time.

Social Bowls Results

Monday mixed pairs winners were Maurie Pearson and Darren Laurens. Runners up were Don Agnew and Graham Moore. Lucky draw winners were Sally Canham and Sam Leotta.

Wednesday ladies winners were Bev Svenson, Lyn Maguire and Narelle Schmidtke. In second place was Marie Bragg and Brenda Trannore.

Thursday mixed pairs winners were Mick Mackenzie and Mick Walsh. In second place was Tony Allsop and Wazza Corbett. The kitty toucher jackpots. Greens vouchers were won by Brenda Trannore, Narelle Schmidtke and Ron Bowers.

Friday competition will be re-commencing shortly. Watch the board for a date.

There were no results for Saturday play.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Lorraine Lemke shows her style while Lydia McCarthy watches

Dave McKendry is a picture of concentration

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