Round 1 was tough and hot with plenty of sunburnt faces, but not dampened spirits. Under 11’s Coach, Scott Clarke, said his players were “a little rusty at the start but came home strong”. Both his teams showed “lots of heart and effort”.  
This year the club focuses on creating a positive team culture for all to be included and given a fair go. New coaches for the 2024 season, Levy Mika and Bruce McQuillan, stated “every single one of the kids gave it everything they had. There was a lot of positives to take away from week 1!”
A special mention to the under 13s with the first game of the season playing under the International Rules playing for points. They were led by their Captain, Cooper Liesch, who returned to the game after knee surgery last year.
10 months on and he came and showed Souths what he is capable of, running over his opponent in attack and defensively taking every hit up. Were there nerves for his first game back? - absolutely! Cooper’s mum, Manuela, explained “it has taken a lot of hard work, sweat, tears and determination” to get him back to doing what he loves. His teammates were thrilled to have their leader back.
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Contributed with thanks to Lisa Jackson.

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Under 11s Blue team with Coach, Scott Clarke, League Safes, Greg Kennedy and Pat Kelley 
Under 13s Captain, Cooper Liesch, running through a tackle from Souths opponent.
Cooper Leisch with teammates
Photos supplied

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With the season finally getting some momentum, most Whitsunday United teams played at home.
The U13 Division 1 team secured the 3 points via a forfeit, so a scratch match was organised with the Airlie Beach and Proserpine under 12’s. Players from both sides were extremely happy to finally get to play some football and it was quite a competitive match for a local friendly, with WUFC coming out on top at the full-time whistle 4-3. Some great link up play down the right wing saw Cohen Forman and Charlie Collins combine for two goals. Remy Smart and Tyson Lulham rounded out the scoring.

The U13 Prem team took on the highly fancied Magpies outfit in what was always going to be a hard-fought match, Whitsunday went into half time one nil down. Their coach asked for passion and commitment until the final whistle and that’s what they gave, which was rewarded 2 minutes before time with a bursting run down the right and a thunderous finish from captain Shannon Matthews. Both Shannon and Nicholas Moranino worked tirelessly in centre midfield against their opposing numbers. Whitsunday were kept in the game by goalkeeping heroics from Nicholas Philipson, who faced 33 shots, but only conceded one. A fantastic team effort that sets the tone for the season.

Premier ladies had a tight contest against Magpies this week. Knowing this week would be a tougher game the ladies made sure they put pressure on Magpies from the start. Jess, Keeley and Hazel were strong in the midfield ensuring Magpies were given no time on the ball to create chances and Claire held the defensive backline strong to shut down any breakthrough play. Neither team could get ahead until the second half when a perfectly placed free kick by Mathilde saw Whitsundays take the lead. Unfortunately, Magpies managed to get one back late in the second half off a corner ball which left both teams sharing the points on a 1-1 draw.

The Reserve men wanted to put pressure on City Brothers who were playing out from the back of defence. In sections they were good, but still lacked intensity in pressing as a group, going in at half time as a scoreless draw. With an improved attitude and intensity, we were much better in the second half, finishing the game 1 all.

Premier men fielded their strongest team to date, led by some experienced heads playing their first games for the year. Scott Boldy was dominant on the right wing creating chance after chance and goals to Alan O'donnel and Josh Bond had the scoreline 2 nil at half time. A red card to the opposition at the start of the second half compiled the pressure on Brothers, and the large amount of possession Whitsunday held, amounted to 2 more goals for Alan and the end result of 4 nil.

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Last weekend, 28 Cannonvale Cannons travelled to Bowen and had a fantastic time at the Bowen LC Family Meet. Congratulations to the following swimmers who earnt top placings in the majority of their events: Don Algie, Eloise Chegwidden, Harry Chegwidden, Tora Delac, Jack Ganter, Koa Harland, Mackenzie Bennett, Tyler Bennett, Harris Delac, Thomas Ganter, Jasper Korosec, Nelson Malady, Noah Maltby, Eric Mulliss, Matilda Nicholes, Celeste Orenshaw, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds, Dylan Reynolds, and Zachary Trefz. Congratulations to Millie Groom and Lucas Korosec who won all their events.  
The coaches, Mark Erickson, and Ken Crittenden were very impressed by the swimmers and their achievements. Swimmers swam super times in the medleys. Ruby Harland swam a massive 51.52 second in her 400 metre IM. Ruby’s sister, Koa also swam a massive PB in her medley. She swam a 22.89 second PB in her 200 metre IM. Isaac Pisaniello swam a whopping 41.10 secomd PB in his 200 metre IM. Harris Delac swam a terrific time of 3.30.87 in his 200 metre IM, a 19.18 secons PB.  Jasper Korosec swam a 9.47 second PB in her 200 metre IM.  
Other highlights include: Indigo Harland swam extremely well, swimming PBs in all her events. She swam a massive PB of 20.77 seconds in her 25 metre Breaststroke. Leo Mulliss, aged 7 years, swam an excellent 25 metre Backstroke in a time of 30.26 seconds, a 14.19 second PB.  Sisters, Sophie, and Miranda Palmero both swam super times in their Breaststroke events. The Trefz brothers both swam extremely well in the 200 metre Freestyle and 200 metre IM to earn 1st place. Zach Trefz swam his 200 metre Freestyle in 2.37.79, a 16.35 second PB.  
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Congratulations to all the Cannons who competed in Bowen! A big thank you to all the wonderful parents who managed the team and officiated over the weekend.  
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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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The National Touch League (NTL) is a major Touch Football Competition held at Coffs Harbour each year. The NTL attracts the best teams from around Australia.

Whitsunday Touch is proud that Bernard Woods was selected for the NQ Cyclones in the Over 55 Division of the NTL.

In Bernard’s Division there were teams from the ACT, Brisbane, Southern Qld, Sydney, Victoria, and the Hunter region.

The NQ Cyclones were undefeated in their Round Games and went into the Grand Final against the Sydney Scorpions who they had defeated 3 to 2 in the rounds.

Unfortunately, the score was reversed in the Grand Final.

Woodsy’s individual performances were impressive. He ended up equal third in tries scored (5) with 7 being the best, and in the Final he was voted Player’s Player by his team.

Hearty congratulations Bernard.

Round Six Results

Mixed A
Vipers 11 defeated Raiders A 4
G.E.T. Touch defeated In The Crear (forfeit)

Mixed B
Whitmonday Eagles 8 defeated Stingers 4
Raiders B 15 defeated Flame Tree Flames 5
Ray White 8 defeated Full Boar 6

Mixed C
Sheds N Homes 6 defeated Mighty Mustangs 3
Untouchables 10 defeated Bulls 6

Mixed Juniors
Raiders Blue 4 defeated Raiders Green 1
Hamo Rent 10 defeated Raiders Purple 3

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Touch Footy star Bernard Woods. Photo supplied

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Social play on Tuesday saw Deb Retchless, Lyn Danvers, Isobel Wheeler and Geoff Danvers defeat Irene Laird, Merle Elphinstone, Margaret Wilson and Linda Smith. Gwenda Lydom, Kevin Jewel and Greg Colquhoun defeated Sue Shearing, Penny Warren and Sugar Brunker. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Ladies Club Competition: Crooked Kitty Robyn Stitt defeated Deb Retchless. Final of the fours was played resulting in Robyn Stitt, Deb Retchless, Tiarna Winter and Fely Duncan defeating Irene Laird, Merle Elphinstone, Margaret Wilson and Linda Smith. B Singles Gwenda Lydom defeated Bron Tolcher. Ladies A Pairs have been called for Saturday 6 April at 8.30am and the final Sunday 28 April.

Men’s Competition: A Singles Jason Wright defeated Graeme Read, Herb Dalton defeated Lloyd White. The Brian Winspear Single sets 2023 competition was completed this week. On Thursday Penny Warren defeated Geoff Danvers. On Sunday Greg Colquhoun took out the trophy by defeating Penny Warren.  

Winners for Sunday afternoon social bowls were R Stitt and A Rolfe defeated Laurie Land, Mark Drummond, Deb Retchless and Denise Wallace defeated Bill Myers, Penny Warren and Sugar Brunker. Merle Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler and Kennedy Whitton defeated Jim Quad, Albi Vigar. The jackpot didn’t go off.

                                                                                                                   
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Ladies Club Fours Winners. Photo supplied

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Tuesday afternoon the Men’s President Peter Barrett led his team of Paul Osborne and Keith Bates to an overall victory with Rick Galea taking home the prestigious Health Hub award.

The same afternoon also saw a repeat performance in the final of the Ladies Fours Championship with skipper Joan McGrath for the second year running leading her team of lead Sandra Argo, second Jill Spencer and third Hendrieka Tattam win. 

Wednesday afternoon saw an awesome performance by Shane Spann whom with Eyvonne Wilson smashed the opposition with a phenomenal performance with Arthur McManus taking home the health hub award.

Sunday afternoon social bowls saw visitor Ian Turner return and led his team of Betty Whitehorn and Keith Bates to victory and to cap off a great day Keith also took home the wonderful Health Hub award.

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Sandra Argo, Jill Spencer, Joan McGrath and Hendrieka Tattam. Photo supplied

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Competition games: Club Singles: Steve Roome defeated Wendy Coles.
Club Pairs: Gus Munro and Ray Muir defeated Tiarna Winter and Robyn Stitt.

Sunday Social: I.Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle, Steve Roome defeated Anna Melic, Wendy Coles, Jane Gilbert. Ray Muir, Keith Kirk, G. Reddacliff defeated Ron Gould, Brett Lampard, Steve Roome.

Wednesday Social: Ron Gould, Gordo defeated MaryEllen Pratten, Ross Scanlon. I.Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle, Jane Gilbert. I.Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle, Jane Gilbert defeated A.Melic, Peter Bruce, Glen R.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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In Club Champion Singles Bryan Davy defeated Ken Watts 26-11; Michael Kinnear defeated Gavin Milne 25-8; Wayne Handley defeated Todd Leys 25-10; David Ling Defeated Philip Brown 25 - 12.

In B Singles Mike Harrison defeated Vince Olsen 25 - 2; Bruce Uhe defeated Arthur Griffith 26 - 17; Todd Leys defeated Alen Sanderson 26 - 6.

In Club Championship Pairs David Ling and Andrew Bell defeated Bryan Davy and Luchie Gardel 27 - 11; Michael Kinnear and Grahame Kinnear defeated Peter Lawton and Dale Haack 21 - 14.

At Wednesday's Social Bowls Philip Brown, Arthur Griffith, Mike Harrison and Dale Haack defeated Alen Sanderson, John Anderson, Bruce Uhe and Peter Lawton 22 - 15. 

Sunday Social Bowls John Anderson, Phililp Brown and Bruce Uhe defeated Lee King, Philip Brown and Sandy Daffara 32 - 4; Barry Zillmann and Heather Brown defeated Arthur Griffith and Mike Harrison 29 - 10.

Save the date of Saturday, April 20 when the club will be holding a lunchtime BBQ, the 2023 Presentation and an afternoon of Social Bowls. 

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Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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On water race training and boat preparations have been well underway among the sailing members and associate club members of Bowen’s Port Denison Sailing Club, with Sunday the 24th of March seeing the final off beach racing weekend for the term.
Four races were held in light to moderate breezes on the high tide waters between the PDSC Clubrooms and the Bowen Jetty arm. Green Fleeters climbed aboard the race starter boat to see first hand how races begin with the sequence of flags and whistles during the count downs.  
The three Jordan siblings from Mackay, Jesse, Charlie, and Julian, on their Sabots joined PDSC’s Rory and Reid Martin, and Darcy and Fletcher Kennedy, on their Optimists making a total of seven small dinghies, with five adults and youths on Windsurfers also taking the line. It was a mixed bag of results with everyone enjoying the close racing, evidenced by the smiles all round.  
As a special treat two of the windsurfers then took each of the Green Fleeters for an exhilarating ride back to shore after the racing, further whetting their appetites for sailing in all forms. PDSC recognises the wide range of off beach sailing classes and looks to provide varied opportunities to Club members to participate in the sport variation of their choice.  
PDSC wishes the best of luck to all its members racing in the upcoming Easter Regatta at Whitsunday Sailing Club. The Committee thanks all its volunteers for their assistance during Term 1 and wishes everyone a safe and happy Easter holiday break, with racing and lessons to resume from Term 2.  
The next term’s calendar for Little Pirates and Big Pirates lessons, Green Fleet training, and off beach racing days will be published shortly on the Port Denison Sailing Club Facebook page.  
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Contributed with thanks to Johanna Winstanley. 
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Bowen sail racing. Photo supplied

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Boats capsize or swamp mostly because of poor stability or rough conditions. Poor stability is caused by excess weight on board, whether it is people or cargo, and where the weight is positioned. It is essential to position weight as low as possible and ensure the bow or stern is not lower than the other. If the boat appears to be slow to respond to a roll or pitch then the boat may be overloaded. In rough conditions the boat relies on the bow to provide lift into the prevailing sea condition, whether it is wind chop or ocean swell.

When a boat breaks down or is drifting, the wind will turn the bow away from the wave direction and the stern will face into the waves. This is a dangerous situation, as the stern or transom usually has the lowest freeboard and is subject to taking water. If you break down or are adrift in rough conditions, anchor immediately if practical, or deploy a drogue (a bucket on a rope can act as a drogue) to keep the bow into the sea. Never anchor your boat by the stern. Even the passing wake of a boat can come over the transom and cause a swamping.

Contributed with thanks to VMR Whitsundays

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The Mackay Cutters have kicked off their 2024 Hostplus Cup season with an emphatic win on the road against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

The Falcons were flying high after a round one win over Brisbane Tigers but the Cutters, coming off a bye in the opening round, proved too strong at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday.

It was an error from Falcons winger and former Cutter Flynn Camilleri that led to the visitors’ opening try, with opposing winger Semi Valemei crossing in the sixth minute to open the Cutters’ account.

Jamal Shibasaki scored 20 minutes later before the Falcons hit back in the 29th minute with a try to Camilleri, seeing the teams hit the sheds at half time with the Cutters leading the Falcons 12-4.

The home side narrowed the deficit in the 50th minute when Camilleri crossed for his second try of the evening before the Cutters finished things off with three unanswered tries to Rayden Burns in the 56th minute, Kauri Aupouri-Puketapu in 60th and a second to Shibasaki in the 67th.

Riley Dean slotted four conversions and one penalty goal to see the final score 30-10 in favour of the Cutters.

Earlier in the day, the BMD Premiership Cutters notched their second win of the season, defeating the Falcons 26-18.

A try to the home side in the opening minute did little to deter the Cutters, with first half tries to Kayla Shepherd, Tiana Raftstrand-Smith and Sareka Mooka seeing the visitors with a narrow 14-12 lead at half time.

Second half tries to Krystal Blackwell and Bree Chester saw the Mackay side run away with it in the end, with three conversions helping the Cutters to a 26-18 victory.

The Cutters will look to extend their undefeated start to the season when the take on the Capras at home this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Mal Meninga Cup, Harvey Norman U19s and Cyril Connell Cup squads travelled to Cairns to take on the Northern Pride at Barlow Park.

The Mal Meninga Cup side finished strong to run away with a narrow 18-14 victory while the Harvey Norman U19s girls cruised to a 34-10 win and the Cyril Connell Cup side took down the Pride 46-10.

All five sides will take to BB Print Stadium this weekend to take on the Central Queensland Capras on Saturday, March 23.

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Caption: Photo credit: Mitchell Sansby

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Masters Swimming is for all adults over the age of eighteen. There are no age limits to be a member of Masters Swimming Queensland (MSQ). In fact, many members started their adult swimming in masters several decades ago and continue to enjoy the many benefits of swimming and club life.

Masters Swimming Australia aims to provide an environment that encourages all adults, at a club, state and national level, regardless of ability, to swim regularly or compete to promote fitness and improve their general wellbeing.

The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club has been going strong for over 30 years providing training sessions, pool and open water swimming events, travel opportunities as well as social events.

A number of non-competitive programs are available for all members and include the Endurance 1000, Vorgee Million Metres, Lane Warriors and the MSX program. All these programs are generally self-paced and keep the motivation levels up.

All are welcome to come and try group sessions.

Mondays: Memorial Swim Centre, Milton St. Mackay, be there at 5.30pm for a 5.45pm start.

Wednesdays: North Mackay State High School, Valley St. North Mackay, be there at 5.30pm for a 5.45pm start. This is a coached session led by the club’s coach, until April 10th

Saturdays: Memorial Swim Centre, Milton St. Mackay, starting at 8am to 9am followed by a social on site for members to mingle.

For further information, visit North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club, email nthmkysinkers@gmail.com or phone 0413 805 156

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Contributed by Dan Stampa

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North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club members cooling off in the pool across three different classes. Photos supplied

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Over this weekend, Toby Tule has been competing at the Queensland Athletics State Championships and won a silver medal in the Steeplechase and an 11-second PB on Thursday night in the 1500-metre to place 4th. He also came 4th in the 800-metre with a 2-second PB.

Next weekend, he will compete back in Brisbane at his last Little Athletics Championships, which are in the 800-metre and the 1500-metre.

In April, Toby will be attending the 2024 Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics Championships, which are from the 15th to the 19th of April 2024. He qualified for the 1500-metre, Steeplechase, and 3000-metre last year at the NQ Championships.

James took home a bronze medal in the U20 Discus

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By James Galea

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Photo Credit: Jo Harlow Photography

Caption: Toby competing at the Queensland Athletics State Championships

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Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club’s U15 competitors Nate McKinnon and Zara Richardson recently travelled to Broadbeach on the Gold Coast to compete in the State Rescue Championships. The event involves lifesavers being assessed on their surf sports fitness, patient assessment and CPR skills and a detailed theory paper, at a state level.

Nate McKinnon took out 1st place, with Zara Richardson achieving a 4th place.  

“The club is extremely proud of Nate & Zara for representing Mackay and showing that our lifesaving skills are some of the best in the state,” said Josh Grant, Director of Surf Sports.

“They have been training for months, under experienced coaches to achieve this result.

“It is very reassuring for the club and community to have our youth not only take an interest in surf lifesaving but also excel in this at an elite level.  

“Both Nate and Zara will be heading off to the Australian titles, with Nate being the current national champion in Surf Rescue.  

“The whole club is behind them and wish them the best of luck.”

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By Josh Grant

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Photos Supplied

Caption 1: Nate McKinnon receiving his Gold State Recuse Championships medal.

Caption 2: Nate & Zara after taking out the qualifying event to get into States, hosted at Alva Beach, Ayr.

Caption 3: Nate & Zara with club stalwart & experienced official Reg Butler after taking them through their final training and assessment session.

Caption 4: Club pride - Nate displays his Mackay SLSC noddy cap and state rescue championships gold medal.

Caption 5: Nate completing his CPR skills assessment on a mannequin.

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results March 12, 2024:

Division 1:

Ferrari (Geoff Denman, Goncalo Serra, Ishan Rana) d Lexus (Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent, Barry Patterson. Geoff d Barry -12, 8, 2, -11, 9.

Mercedes (Steven Whiting, Graham Brake, Graeme Walker) d BMW (Ian McKay, Allan Edwards) 9-2. Allan d Graeme -8, 12, -6, 9, 9.

Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan, Vince Boeske) d Audi (Jason Hodda, Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake) 7-4. Tim d Lee 3, -1, -9, 9, 4.

Division 2:

Mazda (Mark Sleeman, Niro) d Hyuandi (Donna Abbott, Noreen Fredericksen) 6-3. Mark d Donna 9, 5, -8, 10.

Nissan (Will VanDeKaa, Duncan Treloar, Simon Hogan) d Kia (Doug Dungavell, Peter Goodson, Matt West) 7-4. Duncan d Matt -7, 5, 6, -7, 13.

Isuzu (George Camilleri, Steve Mathieson, Mark Stam) d Honda (Jye Callander, Leo Gilbert, Andrea Nicholson) 6-5. Andrea d George 2, 9, -6, -6, 10.

Division 3:

Ford (Misha Palod, Ollie Hamelink) d Alfa (Craig VanDeKaa, Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhaliwal) 6-5. Craig d Ollie 13, -10, 9, -5, 9.

Fiat (Aarnav Reelh, Trent Day, YiLin Jiang) d Holden (Saisha Palod, Rohit Bansod, Anaya Reelh) 6-5. Saisha d Aarnav -8, 7, 11, -5, 7.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures March 12, 2024:

Division 1:

Pumas (George Camilleri, Coral Morgan) d Leopards (Steve Mathieson, Judy Zahn) 5-4. Coral d Judy 9, -10, -7, 8, 8.

Cheetahs (Donna Abbott, Doug Dungavell, Val Austin) drew Tigers (Andrea Nicholson, Noreen Fredericksen, John McGee) 6-all. Doug d Noreen 8, -7, -8, 12, 7.

Jaguar (Branko Vucurovic, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) d Lions (Don Boettcher, Pam Joyce, Bryan Marshall) 9-3. Kev d Bryan 10, 6, -11, -9, 9.

Division 2:

Cyan (Robyn Bushell, Marie Taylor, Louise Gould) d Teal (Ken Best, Kim Challender) 8-4. Robyn d Kim 8, 10, -4, -9, 10.

Lime (Helen Ware, Fred Saliba, John Hamelink) d Aqua (Iris Grasso, Gloria Vella, Gerry Synnott) 8-4. John d Iris -8, 4, 7, -7, 8.

Division 3:

Sapphires (Pam Keune, Madge Saunders, Darryl Ross) d Emeralds (Ian Dodds, Glenda Brookes, Trish Zamparuti) 9-3. Madge d Ian -6, -6, 3, 6, 11.

Diamonds (Frank Caruana, Bill Hey, Thelma Caruana) d Rubies (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Carmel Crishaldi) 10-2. Sharon d Bill 2, -6, -5, 9, 5.

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Photo Credit: Charlie Payne

Saisha Palod in action in Tuesday night fixtures

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