The annual Construct Health Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology Mackay Road Runners 3km Club Championship was held in very humid conditions early Sunday morning from Queen’s Park car park.  

Over fifty competitors charged from the gun over the flat and fast course, however the steamy weather did play havoc with a lot of the runners’ lung and leg capacity, especially over the testing 3km sprint distance.

First placed Damian Rutland burst out of the gates with Hamish Donnollan, Luke Leven, Paul Mackenzie, Liam Mumford, Walker Murray, Rodney Elworthy, Nick Rewald, Jarrod Mackie, Matt Graves, Joe Grech, Michael Scholer, Grant Holmstrom, Derek Woods and Shane Donnollan hot on his heels.  

Damian maintained his extreme pace leading the field across the finish line first ahead of Hamish, Liam, Paul and Construct Health’s Nick.

A gut busting effort from Alana Knesevic saw her take gold in the female section ahead of fast finishing Lily Leven.  

Both girls ran an amazing race against a lot of great talent including Carolyn Mapes, Milly Bishop, Tahnie Malagueno, Carmel Mahon, Carol Dawes and Crystal Hawkins.

Winners and runner ups were rewarded with amazing prizes from the Construct Health Team who have sponsored the 3km event for several years.  

All runners were vying for valuable overall and age category club championship points as well as handicap points toward their season total.

Track training is of great benefit to sprint distance racing as well as endurance racing, therefore, runners can take advantage of Club Captain Jim Ford’s track training weekly Wednesdays at 5.30pm at the Aquatic and Recreational Centre.  

Everybody is welcome to attend, don’t need to be a Mackay Road Runners member and you don’t have to be just a runner.

This Sunday’s Whibley’s Wander 5km/12km will commence at 6:30am from 25 Duncan Street, West Mackay.

Many thanks to Julie and Andrew for opening up their home to a lot of smelly, sweaty runners to do their thing.

The handicap start race will commence at 6:30am sharp with runners being sent off on their official club handicap time.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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The Construct Health Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology Team celebrate with Mackay Road Runners 3km Club Championship winners and runners up – L-R Hamish Donnollan (2nd) and Damian Rutland (1st), Thomas, Nick, Dylan, Sarah, Lily Leven (2nd) and Alana Knesevic (1st)

Garry Thomas (sitting) takes a well-earned rest after a great sprint effort in the Mackay Road Runners 3km Club Championship

Over fifty junior and senior runners took part in the Mackay Road Runners 3km Club Championship from Queens Park

Legendary Mackay Road Runners champion runner, Judy Zahn (in her early seventies) still has the talent for a great 3km effort. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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The Mackay Marina Run calendar of events was officially launched last Friday before hundreds of social runners gathered for the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run across the Forgan Bridge.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor officially opened affairs earlier that day, thanking sponsors for their support.

“15 years has put this particular run on the map for Australia,” he said.

“This is an iconic event.

“The half marathon is the second biggest half marathon in Queensland.”

Event Founder Sandy Strong said the event has grown from 60 runners in its first iteration to a record participation of 3,300, with approximately 80% of runners being local.

“Every year we hope to break the record so we’re hopeful again,” he said.

“When I first started running, there was hardly anyone in the streets running and now, running is such a popular sport.

“I don’t know whether Mackay is moving in line with the trend or we’re ahead of the trend but there’s lots of people running in Mackay.”

WHAT: Mackay Marina Run

WHERE: Mackay Harbour

WHEN: Sunday, June 4

REGISTRATION: mackaymarinarun.com

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Mackay Marina Run thanked sponsors BMA, North Queensland Bulk Ports, Daly Bay, Isuzu, MM Electrical, City Fitness and more

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Pioneer Dolphins travelled to Townsville for the weekend of March 4-5 – our last carnival for the Long Course season. Swimming North Queensland held a fantastic meet at the Long Tan Memorial Pool. Our Dolphins swam strong, swam confident and swam with pride!  

Highlights of the weekend include:

• Many individual medals and personal best times being achieved by the team.

• Scores of medals in the relays.  A phenomenal and record total of 25 teams were entered by Pioneer Swim Club over the various relays and results were achieved by both the young and more experienced swimmers.

• Ella Bounden achieving a National Time in her 50m Backstroke – not only attaining a personal best once but twice on Saturday!

• Jade Bounden achieving a National Time in her 50m Freestyle – also attaining a personal best on Saturday and then again on Sunday!

• A legend comeback for retired Pioneer, Ben Miles – swimming in 2 of the relays.

• Madison Malagueno receiving Age Champion for 10-year-old female.

• Receiving compliments from another club on how supportive and united our club is and how wonderful it was to see each of our swimmers highly respect their coach.

What a representation and dominance by Pioneer! Coach Igor could not have been prouder, sporting a smile from ear to ear. His swimmers have been training hard under his guidance and mentoring. The results speak for themselves!

Ella and Jade will now travel to Nationals in April – stay tuned for our article on this exciting trip.

Whilst this may be the end of the Long Course season, the Short Course season will soon commence. Pioneer Swimming Club looks forward to seeing how our swimmers develop their skills over this next season.  

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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Pioneer Swimming Club at NQ Championships in Townsville

Isabelle, Madison, Ariah and Georgie receive 3rd place in their relay

Isaiah, Elliot, Oden and Ralph received 3rd place in their relay

Jade and Ella achieve National Times

Lily, Ava, Bethany and Olivia received 3rd place in their team relay

Madison achieved Age Champion for 10YO Females

Makenna, Joleigh, Annaliese and Madison received 1st place in their relay

Viktor, Jade, Kylie and Ben received 2nd place in their relay

Vitalyi, Jack, Nate and Alex received 3rd place in their relay

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This week the weather was a lot better and good numbers turned up with 28 for Tuesday Social bowls and 20 for Scroungers on Thursday.

This Saturday the Mackay Bowling Club will host Wests Tigers for the Tigers Head Challenge.

Teams will be mixed fours or triples.

A good afternoon of Bowls will be enjoyed by everyone.

Selected teams will be on the noticeboard.

No Men’s Competition will be played on March 11 or 12.
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LADIES Championships Pairs:

Marie Mayfield, D Mc MAMARA V L JENNER, J CABAN K CATANZARITI, D MESSEN V K ROBINSON, M TOWSEND.

Sunday 12th March 1pm

Thelma Fry, k Catanzariti, K Robinson, M Townsend v K Dunn, D Mezzin, Carol Savage, K Burns.

Results:

Tuesday Social

Winners of Winners - Leanne Jenner, Barry Jenner Peter Taaffe

Winner of Losers - Karie Catanzariti, Carol Savage, Brad Robinson.

Thursday Scroungers

Kees Struick def Geoff Jolley

Friday Social Play

Winners - Denise Mezzen, Col Stevens

Runners Up Barry Jenner, Val Edwards

Competition Matches were played over Saturday and Sunday with some close results in Men’s Open Singles, Men’s Open Pairs, Men’s B Singles, Ladies Championships Triples.

All Members are reminded tickets for the monster raffle will be on sale from the Bar.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Expressions of interest last year in playing schoolboys netball have proved a life changer for talented 18-year-old Mackay athlete Ben Pease.

From a reluctant participant to Queensland representative honours in the space of six months – that has been the incredible journey for the versatile colt with a solid background in basketball and AFL.

Ben will represent the Queensland Suns Under 20s side at the National Boys Netball Championships to be staged in Perth from April 7 to 17.

The skilful centre or wing attack forced his way into the Suns’ train-on squad after superb performances at the Suns’ representative trials in Brisbane last December.

It was a significant moment for the netball rookie who volunteered to play the sport before last year’s Queensland Independent Schools Sport Netball Championships in Mackay.

When organisers introduced a Boys Netball competition to the annual event in 2022 it was the likes of Ben and his St Patrick’s cohorts that put their hands up for consideration.

Under the guidance of Malea Ballantyne, Nadine Becker and Sarah Gibbs an eleven man squad - comprised of schoolboy athletes with strong links to basketball, AFL and boxing – was formed and etched their names in history.

Leading into QISSN, the boys finished runners up to Emerald State High School at the Vicki Wilson Cup round robin tournament staged in Yeppoon where they registered three wins from four matches played.  

Pease was an instant success during QISSN and underlined his potential by earning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player  

Award and being named along with shooter Will Randell in the inaugural All Stars Boys Team.

With a determined Pease leading the way the St Patrick’s rookies adapted quickly as they mastered the fundamentals of netball – dominating matches through their incredible fitness and eye hand coordination.

Strong performances at QISSN and later at the Vicki Wilson State Championships earned the crack centre a trial for a berth in the Queensland Suns Under 20s squad.

Growing up in Emerald, an adventurous Ben showed interest in motocross racing and competed in various Queensland titles before taking up basketball where he shone as a small forward with the local Chargers from the age of 12.

When the Pease family moved to Mackay at the end of 2020, versatile Ben turned his hand to AFL and proved a midfield sensation with the Bakers Creek Under 17s and A Grade squads.

So impressive was the super-fit teenager that he was asked to participate in the Northern Hub of the Gold Coast Suns AFL Academy which is based in Mackay.

Currently residing in Byron Bay where he works as a station hand, Ben is keen to stamp his mark at the National Men’s Netball Championships in Perth next month and later in the Brisbane Men’s Netball League.

He still has a strong passion for Australian Rules Football and will continue his career with the Ballina Bombers club in the Northern Rivers AFL competition.

By Chris Karas

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Queensland Suns Under 20 Boys Netball centre Ben Pease has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the sport. He is pictured in action during QISSN and displaying his Most Valuable Player Award and All Stars Team medals

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On Sunday 26th February the NMBC held its AGM at Goosies. The Club is in a strong position with its finances reflecting the increasing revenue and support from patrons. The biggest challenge is the significant increase in insurance premiums and the ability to find cover for cyclones in central and north Queensland.

There were two contested Board positions: The Chairperson and the Finance Director. Neil Blucher was successful in being voted in as the new Chairperson and Ian Beveridge retaining the Finance Director position. The remaining Board positions were all confirmed as per 2022.

Ron Bowers was given the honour of a Life Membership in recognition of 40+ years of continuous service and membership of the Club.

Contributed by Ian Rowan

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Ron Bowers being presented with his Life Membership by outgoing President Roland Dingle

Mackay City Ladies Bowling Club celebrated their 30th year last month.

Special visitors Carmel Gibbs from Bowls Queensland and Lynette Jackson, Margot Stanley and Leanne Lewis from MDLBA joined the City Ladies for their special PAH on February 22.

Everyone enjoyed a game of bowls, ‘spiders’, luncheon and Cent Sale.

Lady President Marie Frederickson, presented special tributes to Norma Farrell, Doris Munro, Pauline Jones and Dawn Field as Foundation Members of the club.

A big thankyou to all members who assisted in the organising and running of the day.

Contributed by Shirley Sturgeon

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A lucky Phyllis Morgan wins her first ever ‘spider’.

Foundation members Dawn Field, Pauline Jones, Norma Farrell and Doris Munro with current President Marie Frederickson.

Bowls Qld representative Carmel Gibbs, President Marie Frederickson and Ladies District President Lynette Jackson cutting the 30th birthday cake.

Last Sunday saw Michele Stockton and Jo Inch face off against Deb Mackenzie and Chris Hall in the final of the North Mackay Ladies Club Championship pairs.

With a very excited and intent crowd watching on, Deb and Chris got off to a flying start.

Michele and Jo tried valiantly to claw their way back, but Deb and Chris were very determined to keep their lead.

The winners were Deb Mackenzie and Chris Hall.

Well done and a very big congratulations from everyone at the club.

Meanwhile, the Wednesday 1/3/2023 Ladies social bowls winners were Fleur Warner, Lyn McGuire and Lorraine Lemke.

Runners up were Sue Roscoe, Bev Woodward and Margaret Goldston.

Club Championship Singles and B singles are now underway with the final of the B pairs to be played next Wednesday.

Best of luck to those competing in these events.

Contributed by Suzanne Hazledine

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North Mackay Ladies Club Championship pairs winners Chris Hall and Deb Mackenzie

Runners up Michele Stockton and Jo Inch

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With Sonny Ivanovic from F45 Training

Summer is over and so are most of our New Year's Resolutions!

Another year for many not making any sustainable commitments to improve your general health and wellness.

For me clearly regular exercising is fun, but I know that’s not the case for most people, which leads me to today’s health and fitness topic.  

Exercise, Sport, or anything movement related needs to be fun and enjoyable for you.

If you think going to the gym to just lose some excess fat is motivational enough, I’m sorry to say this generally doesn’t work for many people. Especially for the long term.

With so many options around, you need to start with investigating what you think you’ll enjoy, or find a group of people who you think you’d like to hang out with.

Having fitness accountability buddies is very underestimated and can make the difference between starting something and two weeks later falling off the dreaded fitness goals bandwagon, or actually staying on track and committed  for the long term.

This is why group fitness classes work so well. Every day, you get to surround yourself with a bunch of not only motivating people, but accountability buddies to keep you going regularly. Your own personal cheer squad!  

Same time, most days and I love seeing the group messenger chats that form around keeping each other motivated.

Another way to stay on track is to set some realistic goals, both short and long term.

Incorporating a new fitness regime can be exciting at the beginning, and generally results can come quickly, but what do you do after three or six months?

This is why I strongly believe you need to genuinely enjoy whatever fitness option you decide upon.

Good Luck!

Top Tips

• Make sure your chosen exercise is fun to do

• Find a community of people, your own cheer squad

• Set achievable goals and stick to them long-term

• Be accountable to others to stay motivated

• Find more reasons to exercise than weight loss

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Whitsunday Moto Sports Club launched the start of the racing year and their Club Championships in February.

Drivers from Cairns, Townsville, Charters Towers and Mackay came for the first race meeting of the year and some great racing!

Well done to two of our brand new karters Sophie and Chad who raced for the first time this meeting.  

Our next meeting will be Saturday, March 18. All spectators welcome.

Contributed with thanks to Tracey Stroud.

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Winners

Cadet 9

1. Sophie Accatino

2. Chad Henry

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Cadet 12

1. Hooper Urquart

2. Aston Mills

3. Cruz Patroni

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KA3 JUNIOR

1. Jure Portelli

2. Ky Brennan

3. Joey Metcalfe

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KA3 Snr Lt

1. Damien White

2. Cruise Mason

3. Emilee Ceccato

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TaG Light

1. Dylan Le Garde

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TaG Heavy

1. Peter Matthews

2. Bryan Reitano

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TaG Res Light

1. Dylan Dunstan

2. Liam Gibson

3. Ethan Ventura

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TaG Res Heavy

1. Dave Sturgeon

2. Doug Penningh

3. Luke Hendry

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Race Day!

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Our club has conducted another successful challenge to welcome new paddlers to the sport.

Each Saturday morning for four weeks new paddlers have been taught the basic techniques for outrigger paddling with each session focusing on the traditions, parts of a six person outrigger canoe, water safety, paddle technique and overall fitness.

Outrigger Whitsunday have six coaches who, along with club members, welcomed new paddlers to the sport.

Being part of a sporting club, irrespective of your skill level, provides a common purpose for socialising and connectedness as well as an opportunity to engage in some healthy physical activity.

So, if you haven’t considered participating previously, come along and have a try. The club is located at Shingley Beach and new members are always welcome.

Our club is looking forward to its first regatta of the season which will be conducted at Lake Tinaroo on the Atherton Tablelands later this month.

Contributed with thanks to Paul Tobias.

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Outrigger Whitsunday are always open to new members

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Whitsunday Running Club has begun preparations for three unique events with aims to motivate people of all fitness abilities to see the region and get fit while they do it – including a brand-new cross-country style run.

The Whitsunday Running Club Cross Country, Marathon, and Bush Trail events, each held in The Whitsundays on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef and iconic Whitehaven Beach, are fast approaching, with the first just a week away.

Whitsunday Running Club will hold its newest event, the North Queensland Cross Country Championships, on March 19, with a complement of seven races for entrants from ages six and up.

The event will run on a new course developed by Whitsunday Running Club President Tim McQuoid-Mason in the public parkland in Galbraith Park and promises to “provide a challenge for runners of all abilities.”

Mr McQuoid-Mason said the addition of a cross-country event is exciting for the club with it being a long time since the last North Queensland Championships.

“We have held the Marathon Festival and Whitsunday Trail Run events for many years now and have entrants from all over Australia and the world travel to run in the picturesque Whitsundays,” he said,

“Being able to offer a third event is huge for our club and gives cross country competitors the opportunity to travel to The Whitsundays and experience the magnificent area while also competing.”

The Tassal Marathon Festival – a World Athletics certified event - will run again from July 15-16, celebrating its 10th year and organisers expect to see significant entrant numbers similar to 2019.

For trail runners, the Accom Whitsunday Trail Festival will challenge even the most experienced with its trail that follows the Great Whitsunday Walk, a 32-kilometre track along the ridge of Conway National Park on Sunday, September 10.

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton said the variety of events offered by Whitsunday Running Club promotes “another version of The Whitsundays.”

“The Whitsundays is the holiday destination that caters for all activity levels and budgets,” he said.

“it’s fantastic to see that this variety has been applied to events that attract competitors from all over the country and world.”

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Whitsunday Running Club has added a Cross Country event to its annual run sheet of competitions

What a difference a week makes.  Last week it was raining and uncomfortable, but this Wednesday just passed provided a 12 knot easterly breeze, flat seas, and a stunning Whitsunday sunset.  It couldn’t get any better for the 105 sailors, on 19 yachts, who participated in the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s twilight race.

A very close start saw QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) leading the fleet away with Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) right on their tail.  A poor start by Wide Load (Shannan Hart) saw them first to tack in toward the shore, a move that didn’t work, leaving them trailing the fleet for the whole race.  At the first mark of the course, Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) snuck through to take a slender lead over QMS Ponyo, gradually increasing the gap as the race progressed, finishing just 1 minute ahead, with Smooth Criminal a further 11 seconds back.  On corrected time, Twister (Kevin Fogarty) took the honours over Treasure VIII (Rob Davis) and Houdini (Robert Meizer).

For the second week in a row, Lighthorse (Di Forster) led the fleet away, but it was Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) and Matchless (Terrence Stevens) neck and neck after the first lap, with Aquatarius (Tom Parker) running third. Behind them, Rossgo (Greg Hammon) was ahead of Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic), Shiraz (John Cable) and Lighthorse.  On the next lap, things changed at the front, with Aquatarius passing both of the boats in front to take the lead by 1 minute over Matchless who overtook Wobbly Boot just before the finish.  On corrected time, Aquatarius took the honours by 21 seconds over Shiraz, with Norbert G (Ghigo Casalini) 20 seconds further back in third.

A delayed start by Malice (Graham & Clayton Matthews) allowed G’nome (Terry Archer) to lead the multihulls for much of the race before Malice took the lead.  The 30 odd seconds delay at the start was probably the difference as, on corrected time, G’nome won by 31 seconds.

Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm, with limited crewing positions available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available). Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results.

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

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Reignition under full power

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A total of 23 Cannonvale Cannons travelled to Townsville over the weekend to compete at the NQ Championships. All the swimmers enjoyed being part of relays teams and most of the Cannonvale Cannons’ teams came home with silver and bronze medals.  

Congratulations to Jy Parkinson for winning just about all his individual events and awarded Age Champion. Jax Clayworth was presented with his NQ Record certificate for 100m Butterfly.  

Star Performers based on PBs were Matilda Nicholes, Jacob Bell, Declan Dichieria, Addie Sanders, Levi Smith, Alex Trefz, Zach Trefz, Ehsan Helou and Lukas Trevaskis.  

Highlights include: Jacob Bell aged 16 years won his 800m Freestyle in a time of 9.06.27 (a 13.13 second PB). Thomas Ganter and Remy Hedges swam excellent times in their 400m Freestyle to earn a silver medal.  

One of Jack Ganter’s best swims was his 100m Butterfly which he did a 12.57 second PB to earn a silver medal. Jax Clayworth, aged 9 years won all his 50m events. One of his best swims was his 100m Freestyle in 1.18.44 (a 2.15 second PB).  

Ehsan Helou swam top placings in most of his events. One of his best swims was his 200m Freestyle which he swam in a 2.22.47 (a 10.39 second PB). Anisa Helou’s best swim earnt her a bronze medal.  She swam a fantastic 50m Butterfly in 32.48 seconds.  

Holly Perrin swam 4 personal best times and won gold medals for all her Backstroke events. Isaac and Isabella Pisanello swam super times all weekend. Both swam awesome PBs in their 100m Freestyle and 50 Breaststroke. Isaac swam a massive 18.75 second PB in his 100m Breaststroke.  

Tiana Bell, Indi Smith, Celeste Orenshaw, Don Algie, and Charlotte Trevaskis had a fantastic weekend. They all swam extremely well and achieved some personal best times.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers and a big thank you to the parents and coaches for supporting the swimmers.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannons preparing for the March past at NQ Champs. Photo supplied

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Footy for Fun

WTA is set to launch an exciting initiative, Footy for Fun, which is a new program for girls and boys 4 to 8years of age.

It starts Monday March 13 at Whitsunday Sports Park from 5 to 5.40 pm.

The program runs for 6 weeks and costs$60.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Touch Footy.

Round Four Results

Mixed A

Trusty (8)                                 Inthe Crear (5)

Vipers (13)                                Raiders A (4)

WhitmondayEagles  9               Concrete Feet  8

Mixed B

Full Boar   1                             Slippery Salmons  10

Ray White Mudcrabs    12         TheGuinea Fowls  3

Mixed C

Stingers 4                                  Flame Tree Flames  11

Fumble This   4                        TouchIt  2

Raiders C 5                               On Time 9

Mixed C (Family)

Untouchables     4                     RaidersFamily  10

Escapees (6)                             MissFits/Hamo Rent (6)

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