Doubles brought out fierce rivalry when the Jan Meng Memorial Trophy was decided at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre last Tuesday.

Don Boettcher and Fred Saliba won the trophy ahead of Pam Joyce and Gerry Synnott, while the consolation final was won by Donna Abbott and Bill Hey from Doug Dungavell and Cheryl Pearson.

The trophy is played annually by Tuesday morning fixture players in memory of the late Jan Meng, who for many years organized the fixtures.

Many thanks to Iris Grasso, Pam Joyce, Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson and others who helped make sure the event ran smoothly.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results August 22, 2023:

Division 1:

Donic (Ivan Perkins, Anne Sheridan, Ian McKay) d Andro (Robbie Richards, Barry Patterson, George Camilleri) 8-3. Anne d Barry 9, -4, 9, -7, 11.

Joola (Janice Kent, Andrew McHugh, Geoff Denman) d Tibhar (Steven Whiting, Tim Shehan, Vince Boeske) 6-5. Vince d Janice -5, 12, 6, -6, 7.

Butterfly (Graeme Walker, Emma Widdup, Allan Edwards) d Radak (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake, Graham Brake) 6-5. Graham d Graeme -9, 5, -8, 8, 8.

Division 2:

Xiom (Duncan Sheridan, Duncan Treloar, Ishan Rana) d Yasaka (Andrea Nicholson, Peter Goodson) 8-3. Ishan/Duncan d Andrea/Peter -10, -10, 8, 9, 8.

Stiga (Leo Gilbert, Tony Bowman, Donna Abbott) d Victas (Mark Sleeman, Steve Mathieson, Steve Crocker) 7-4. Mark d Donna 9, -10, -9, 3, 8.

Gewo (Trent Day, Lily Boland, Matthew West) d Nittaku (David Ting, Will VanDeKaa, Daniel Warfield) 7-4. Matthew d Daniel 6, -6, 10, -9, 7.

Division 3:

Zeta (David Symons, Bill Hey) d Epsilon (Anaya Reelh, Virginia Clayton) 6-3. Bill d Anaya 9, 10, -6, -8, 9.

Delta (Aarnav Reelh, Val Austin, Michael Ibbotson) d Gamma (Craig VanDeKaa, Mark Stam, Alok Rana) 6-5. Aarnav v Mark 10, 5, -7, -9, 11.

Alpha (Ollie Hamelink, Rymer Tabulo) d Beta (Simon Hogan, Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhaliwal) 6-5. Rymer/Ollie d Kade/Simon 7, 7, -10, 11.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning Jan Meng Memorial Doubles Tournament:

Don Boettcher/Fred Saliba d Pam Joyce/Gerry Synnott; consolation Donna Abbott/Bill Hey d Doug Dungavell/Cheryl Pearson.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Fred Saliba and Don Boettcher have a firm grip on the Jan Meng Memorial Trophy, which they won from Gerry Synnott and Pam Joyce Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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From Grand Final heartbreak to undefeated Queensland Regional champions in the space of twelve months – that is the fascinating journey experienced by the Year 10 St Patrick’s College Mackay rugby league team.

The Cowboys Challenge Shield winners backed up their Grand Final heroics with a resounding 44-0 victory over Rockhampton’s Emmaus College in the State Regional Championship decider at BB Print Stadium.

It was another mighty performance from Tom Gaviglio’s all-conquering charges as they capped a memorable 2023 season with back-to-back trophies.

Turn the clock back twelve months and several members of the current Mackay squad were left gutted after conceding a try after the bell in the 2022 Cowboys Challenge Grand Final against Kirwan State High.

Their mission to succeed this season came to fruition with superb efforts in both championship finales.

From the moment livewire winger Trae Cora posted a hat-trick of tries to give his side a 16-0 lead at the break, there was no stopping the rampant St Patrick’s lineup.

Cora’s third try was a special after gun half back Adam McSherry burst through and off loaded to powerhouse forward Mark Morrow who linked with the flanker to score in a sweeping 60 metre movement.

The tries flowed after the interval with centre Billy Cruden dashing over from a passing rush; the quick-stepping McSherry and forward Declan Grady bursting through to nab fine solo tries before pivot Cooper Cavill completed the rout with a deserved double.

Impact forward Lincoln Hale booted the final conversion after number one kicker McSherry (3) and Cora (2) had earlier potted goals.

Back rower Morrow – who is contracted to the Canberra Raiders – was the best forward on ground and menaced the Emmaus defence with his bullocking runs and jarring defence.

Other players to impress were centre Norm Campbell, fullback Hamish Donohue and forwards Kereama Gartner, hooker Cooper Deguara, Eli Cookson and Liam Dickens.

………………………………………………………

MEANWHILE

Records continue to tumble for schoolboys rugby league powerhouse St Patrick’s College Mackay.

The Aaron Payne Cup winners roared into this week’s Queensland State Championship decider against Palm Beach-Currumbin State High School after slamming Rockhampton’s Emmaus College 28-6 in a State semi-final at BB Print Stadium.

It was another polished performance by Ian Schifilliti’s colts, who are chasing their first State Championship title in 23 years.

Talented winger Bailey Anderson demonstrated his scoring prowess by grabbing three of the Mackay team’s five tries in a standout performance.

A highlight was Anderson’s second four pointer on the stroke of half time after slick work by half back whiz Jaxon Purdue and sharp centre Tenzin Contor to give St Patrick’s a handy 16-0 lead.

Aided by a string of penalties and with promising halves Clancy Hohn and Isaac Walker calling the shots, the Emmaus side applied plenty of pressure – only to be met by ferocious St Patrick’s defence.

Earlier, the elusive Anderson crossed for the opening try after seven minutes – the result of a passing rush – before the skilful Purdue strolled over to score from dummy half to give St Patrick’s a ten-point advantage.

When the quick-stepping Hohn sliced through to nab a crucial try after the interval it gave the Emmaus side a glimmer of hope.

Anderson posted his hat-trick when he combined with Contor to score off a swirling Purdue kick before Hunter Harris potted a penalty goal to give the Mackay boys a 24-6 lead.

Dashing centre Will Shears sealed a comprehensive victory when he wrong-footed the Emmaus defence to collect a fine solo try before the bell.

St Patrick’s forwards provided the platform for success with hooker Xavier Kerrisk, lock Kayne Smith, Harrison Considine, Tyler Shandiman, Cohen Jackson, Diesel Costigan, Jake Bryan and Reece Morris turning in dominant performances.

In the other semi-final, Palm Beach-Currumbin State High lifted their 14th Allan Langer Trophy since 1993 after edging out reigning National Schoolboys Cup champions Ipswich State High 16-12 at Langlands Park.

PBC were best served by dynamic fullback and Player of the Match Ray Puru and middle forwards Brady Turner and Jett Jackson.

Now the scene is set for an enthralling tussle between two of Queensland’s most famous rugby league nurseries for the Phil Hall Cup.

The Reds nursery has produced 52 NRL players including former Kangaroos Ben Ikin and Darius Boyd and a prominent list of half backs in New Zealand international Jahrome Hughes, Cody Walker, Jamal Fogarty, Tom Dearden, Toby Sexton and recent Gold Coast Titans debutant Tom Weaver, who skippered PBC’s 2021 State Championship-winning side.

St Patrick’s were last crowned State champions back in 2000 – the same year Grant Rovelli’s super colts lifted the Confraternity Shield.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Mackay players savour their Queensland Regional Championship victory over Emmaus College Rockhampton. Photo by Michelle Bettini

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A tradition of football excellence returns to the region this month when Mackay Rangers FC prepares to mark four decades with its iconic 8 a Side Carnival.

Starting as a celebration of home ground enhancements back in 1983, the carnival has grown in stature and reputation.

Today, it stands proudly as one of Queensland’s remaining senior football carnivals.

This year's 40th Anniversary Carnival will be staged from Saturday September 30 to Sunday October 1 at the club’s home base at Eric Homan Park and promises to be special.

From Brisbane to Cairns, teams are gearing up to participate in the annual event - each bringing their own distinct flair and passion for the game.

With unique rules that include no offside and special points awarded not just for goals, the Carnival guarantees non-stop action and fervent competition for both men and women plus $6000 in prize money.

The Carnival also features a Penalty Shootout competition with raffles drawn throughout.

But it's more than just a game.

Mackay Rangers stalwart Liam Hutcheon said the Carnival has been a family affair with touching instances of fathers and sons and mothers and daughters sharing the pitch for the first time.

“The club is calling on the community to get behind this historic event,” said Hutcheon.

“Businesses are invited to contribute prizes, raffle items or gifts and such contributions not only elevate the event but also resonate with a broad audience of football enthusiasts, families and supporters,” he quipped.

“We are reaching out to let you know that there are still sponsorship opportunities available for this incredible weekend,” revealed Liam.

“Don't miss out on being a part of this thrilling event and getting your brand in front of a diverse audience of over 500 people attending our grounds each day,” he added.

Mackay Rangers FC continues to be at the forefront of nurturing football talent and passion in the region.

Through events like the 8 A Side Carnival, they not only provide entertainment but also contribute to the future of football in Queensland.

Nominations are now open and due September 17.

If you're interested in joining as a sponsor or would like more information contact Liam Hutcheon at hutcho_94@hotmail.com or Andrew Susani – Andrews@Coveng.com

For those interested in supporting or attending, more details can be found on Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/mkyrangersfc

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Mackay Rangers FC will host their 40th Anniversary 8 A Side Carnival on the weekend of September 30 to October 1 at Eric Homan Park

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles had three of their five teams represent in the AFLQ Mackay 2023 Qualifying and Elimination Finals over the weekend.

Sea Eagles look to recover quickly to take on Eastern Swans next Saturday in the Preliminary Final for the decider on who comes up against North Mackay Saints in the Grand Final.

Sea Eagles Under 17s knew a close game would ensue for the Qualifying Final with Moranbah Bulldogs.

Sea Eagles won 44 – 31 and head into the Grand Final on 9th September at Bakers Creek.

Sea Eagles Under 12s battled Eastern Swans in the Qualifying Final with Swans initially adapting better to the wet conditions ending the first half with a daunting 22 – 1 lead. Sea Eagles mounted a promising comeback in the second half however could not climb to the top losing 11 – 29 leading them to the Preliminary Final against Moranbah Bulldogs on Saturday.

Congratulations to all Sea Eagles players who polled well in the AFLQ Mackay League Presentations and who were also named in Teams of the Year. Sea Eagles congratulate their Under 17s Coach Dean Armitage who was named AFLQ Mackay 2023 Junior Coach of the Year.

Saturday 2nd September sees Preliminary Finals at Rogers Oval (Eastern Swans). Sea Eagles Senior Men match up with Eastern Swans 3:20pm, Under 12s play Moranbah 8:00am. Get down to Mackay to support Sea Eagles in what should be some cracking matches!

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Dean Armitage - AFLQ Mackay Junior Coach of the Year. Photo credit: AFLQ Mackay

Senior Men - Brayden Wall and Bailey Wishart. Photo credit: Kylie Allen

Under 17s Sea Eagles vs Mackay Magpies. Photo credit: Kylie Allen

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In a play that would make any basketball enthusiast proud, the 2023 Mackay Basketball NBL1 fundraising game and charity singlet auction, held in July, has shattered records, amassing an impressive $32,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia.

The impressive figure of $32,000, powered by raffles conducted during the event and the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors annual charity singlet auction, soared past the previous record of $30,000 achieved in 2021.

Last week, Mackay Basketball General Manager and McDonald’s Meteors NBL1 Head Coach Joel Khalu presented a cheque to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia Community Engagement Executive Samantha Lee, at the Ronald McDonald Family Room located in the Mackay Base Hospital.

It’s a slam dunk for local families who need a home-away-from-home while their children are in hospital.

“Mackay Basketball is extremely proud to use its platform to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause,” Khalu said.

“We’re stoked that our basketball community can contribute to Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia, who support the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital. RMHC helps ensure that sick kids and their families in our region will get the support they need, when needed,” he added.

“Mackay Basketball are also extremely grateful to everybody who attended the game, donated selflessly, bought raffle tickets and placed bids on the singlets. As a sporting family we’re very lucky to have so many people willing to put their hand in their pockets and help make a difference.”

RMHC North Australia Community Engagement Executive Samantha Lee also thanked Mackay Basketball.

“We’re blown away by this donation, it’s an absolutely amazing effort and we are very grateful,” Lee said.

“On behalf of the Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia we want to say a huge thank you to everybody involved with Mackay Basketball for their wonderful and ongoing support.”

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Mackay Basketball General Manager Joel Khalu (Left) and Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia Community Engagement Executive Samantha Lee (Right) at the cheque presentation. Photo supplied

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Proserpine Junior Cricket Club are holding their next Have A Go sign on day this month, perfect for aspiring junior cricketers to get involved in the game and have their hand at the sport.

The Club has undergone a series of upgrades of the clubhouse and grounds, preparing for the upcoming season, including a floor refurbishment, new interior paint, and new nets.

With the season spanning October through to March, cricket is the perfect outlet for a summer sport, with the Proserpine Pitbulls competing in their competitions throughout the season: the local Proserpine Competition, a Mackay Competition, and a Bowen Competition.

Last season, the Proserpine Pitbulls U12 and U13 teams won the Mackay Premiership and the U15s were minor premiers, with a further 19 players selected for the Mackay/Whitsunday Representative team.

The Colts U16 debuted last season, made up of the older Whitsunday and Bowen Junior players who compete in the Senior Competition.

And with Girls Cricket increasing in popularity, the Club are encouraging all girls to come give the sport a go or participate in one of their upcoming Girls Clinics.

The Proserpine Junior Cricket Club will also be holding the North Queensland Cricket Association U13 Male Carnival in December, meaning now is the best time to get signed up for the upcoming season and be a part of the carnival.

WHAT: Proserpine Junior Cricket Club Have A Go Day

WHERE: Proserpine Junior Cricket Grounds

WHEN: Wednesday September 13, 4pm to 5pm

LEARN MORE: email proserpinejca@yahoo.com or ring 0707 638 149, or visit Facebook.com/proserpinejca

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Alf Padgen at 90 years of age has been playing lawn bowls for more than 40 years after originally starting at Gargett.

Nowadays, Alf is a dual member at Mackay and Wests Tigers, but regularly teams up with Albert Wicks on Tuesdays to revive their bowling achievements as partners in District Pairs and Triples Championships.

While Alf is deadly with his bowling arm, he always encourages novice bowlers in the finer points of bowling techniques.

During the week, the club has been hosting Mackay State High School students in a 12 week course as part of their grade 12 Sport and Recreation subject.

The Cattle Creek Shield was played last weekend with the club winning against North Mackay, Marian, and Sarina on the Saturday and playing Northern Beaches on Sunday in the final, with Northern Beaches winning.

Congratulations to Players from Mackay Club J Smith, G Collum, R Casey, T Mayfield, P Carter, C Marks, G Edmonds, N Wilson, D Wootton, P Molloy, B Robertson, R Blanchard, T Hollows, A Gibson, E Roberts, B Bridger.

Mackay Club Ladies are hosting Ladies District Champion of Champions Triples on September 14 and 15.

This weekend is Pratt Cup, facing Wests Tigers first up at Mackay City Bowls Club.

Teams for weekend:

Singles: Ross Dunstan.

Pairs: Steve Cassidy, Noel Wilson.

Fours: Bruce Bridger, Grant Edmonds, Antony Gibson, Col Marks.

Tuesday Afternoon Social Bowls welcomed Bryce and Heather from Bundaberg who joined local for a roll up.

Winners of Winners: Leanne Jenner, Barry Jenner, Peter Taaffe.

Winner of Losers: Alan Bartlett, Col Marks.

Thursday afternoon Scroungers saw 17 players with Grant Edmonds playing Peter Carter in the final and Grant coming out the eventual winner.

Friday Social saw winners Marie Mayfield and Gary Williamson.

Club Competition starts on Friday afternoon with Ladies 2 Bowl Triples and Consistency Singles.

E Clements, J Nelson, R Schatkowski v H Truscott, L Caban, W Pomeroy.

Dot McNamara v Carol Savage.

Men's Open Triples: S Makin, C Molloy, P Molloy v K Tranberg, D Wootton, N Wilson.

Sunday Afternoon Men's B Singles: B Williams v R Mroz, D Currey v R Bell

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Alf Padgen

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After the final round of the season, five of ten Whitsunday United teams progress to the finals series.

Congratulations to all our finalists including U13 Div 1 (3rd place), U15 FQPL (4th place), Men U23 (4th place).

Special mention to our senior prem teams with our Premier Women having their best season ever with a second place in the Premiership conceding only to the top of the table Lions with a narrow loss and a draw.

On Saturday, the U13 Prems had their final game of the season against 2nd placed Magpies.

They played with determination and fantastic team spirit and were unlucky not to score in the first half.

A good effort by the young squad.

U15 Div1 also finished their season with an 8-0 win against Rangers.

After a frustrating season of draws and close losses it was great for the kids to end on a high!

The U15s Premier Team took on the Mackay Dolphins in what was a very close encounter between two top four teams.

A much-improved effort from the team and will look to keep improving into the finals next week.

The U23 Women played top of the table Dolphins at home.

Congratulations to all of the Ressie ladies, although they didn’t make the finals they should be proud of a very successful season.

The Premier ladies had a 7-0 win against Dolphins, with Whitsundays started strong, dominating possession for most of the first half.

The ladies now focus on the first round of finals next weekend where a win will put them straight into the grand final.

The U23 Men played Lions in a game that would decide who would finish 2nd in the league.

With the score ending 2-1 the boys are still in a good spot to get finals football.

The Premier Men dominated proceedings from start to finish in what was a great team performance. Sherro added a 4th and completed his hatrick to round out the last home game of the season with a 4-0 win.

Whitsunday United FC would like to thank everyone who came out to watch games this season as it really does help. See you all for Finals Footy !!!!

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Premier League Women dominating their match. Photo supplied

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The recent 2023 Australian Cross Country Championships was the latest platform for three Mackay athletes to post impressive performances.

Ayla Moon, as well as brothers Oliver and Toby Rule, proudly represented Queensland, with Toby finishing with a podium placing.

Held in the capital city of Canberra last weekend, these dedicated athletes showcased their remarkable endurance and determination, showing why they earned their well-deserved spots in Queensland's elite running teams.

Ayla, competing in the 11 years age group, has proven herself as a rising star in the sport. Her impressive performance at the All Schools Cross Country States showcased her determination, as she climbed from 12th place to a remarkable 6th place on the challenging 3km course. This victory secured her spot in the Queensland School Team, marking her debut in the state-level cross country event.

Ayla placed 31st out of the 52 runners.

Brothers Oliver and Toby Rule have consistently showcased their prowess on the track. Oliver's training led him to an impressive 2nd place in the 8km race at the Mackay Marina Run. His recent participation in the Townsville Running Festival's 10km road race, where he matched his personal best and secured 5th place, further solidified his position in Queensland's cross country scene. Similarly, Toby's journey has been marked by successes. A strategic performance at the Queensland Athletics State Cross Country Championships earned him 2nd place in the 16-year-old age group and an impressive 6th place overall. Toby's dedication and growth paved the way for his selection in the Queensland team.

At the Australian Cross Country Championships, Oliver ran a personal best time over the 8km course. Toby finished 18th overall in the Under 18 6km race, placing 5th in his age group, finishing 3rd overall for his age amongst Australian athletes. His impressive time earning him a national bronze medal.

Following the championships, Ayla, Oliver, and Toby will shift their focus to the upcoming NQ Championships in Mackay and the Bridge to Brisbane in October.

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Toby Rule (centre) led the charge early to bring home bronze at the 2023 Australian Cross Country Championships held in Canberra last weekend. Photo credit: Belinda Rule

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Sunday 27th August saw 23 shooters competing for the day.

Shooters travelled from Silkwood, Townsville, Burdekin, and Mackay/Sarina to join our members for a day of competition.

The day was sunny and very windy which proved challenging.

The winners were:

Ev 1: 25T DB AA: P Scalia, J Rossato 25/25, G Maltby, R Gough, C Tremlett 24/25;

A: J Cerqui, G McHenry 24/25, R Zarb, K Zarb 23/25;

B: N Kirkman 21/25, J Taylor 19/25, R Mikkelsen 16/25;

C: B Bonanno 23/25, A Gangemi 20/25, P LeBlowitz, W Rossato 17/25

Ev 2: 25T SB AA: G Maltby, C Tremlett 24/25, J Rossato, R Gough 23/25;

A: B Gall 23/25, J Sebastiani Snr 22/25, D Rossato, C Edgerton 20/25;

B: J Taylor 21/25, R Mikkelsen, N Kirkman 18/25;

C: B Bonanno 18/25, W Rossato 16/25, P LeBlowitz 15/25

Ev 3: 25T P/Score AA: P Scalia, J Rossato 74/75, G Maltby 69/75;

A: K Zarb 72/75, C Edgerton 69/75, R Zarb 67/75;

B: R Mikkelsen 65/75, J Taylor 59/75, N Kirkman 57/75;

C: B Bonanno 64/75, R Ness 57/75, J Dickersen, W Rossato 56/75

Ev 4: 25T H/Cap 1st N Kirkman 24/25, 2nd G Maltby 28/30, 3rd R Zarb 27/30

Overall for the Day Sponsored by Bowen Industrial Hire AA: P Scalia and J Rossato 142/150; A: K Zarb 137/150; B: N Kirkman 120/150; C: B Bonanno 125/150

Thank you to our sponsor of the day, Bowen Industrial Hire, thank you to everyone who helped in any way over the weekend. Our next shoot will be held on Sunday 24th September with the working bee and practise on Saturday 23rd. Hope to see you all there.

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Overall Sponsored by Bowen Industrial Hire AA J Rossato and P Scalia, A K Zarb, B N Kirkman, C B Bonanno

Ev 4 Handicap 3rd R Zarb, 2nd G Maltby, 1st N Kirkman. Photos supplied

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Whitsunday local student Jure Portelli has been one of eight girls selected for the international FIA Girls on Track Rising Star Program.

Having competed in kart racing for just over two years, Jure’s made a quick ascent to fame, with 30 podium finishes, and 20 first place wins in 2022 alone.

She initially began in karts that her parents wanted to teach her to drive before getting her license, with no motorsport background.

She then progressed to faster vehicles.

The FIA Girls on Track Rising Star Program is a collaboration between the Federation Internationale De L’Automobile (FIA) and the Ferrari Driver Academy and aims to identify and nurture female racing talent from ages 12 to 16 years.

Jure is one of eight 14- to 16-year-old girls from around the world to be selected and will attend a training camp held in Italy in September.

At the camp, the girls will be judged on their performance, and the one deemed most talented and promising has the opportunity to become the next female diver to compete in Formula 4, with support from the Iron Dames team in 2024.

“Being a girl in a male dominated sport has its hurdles but most boys have been supportive off the track,” said Jure.

Competing at this level can be expensive and Jure is always on the lookout for local sponsors, partners, and those wanting to support with a financial contribution to help her on her journey.

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Jure Portelli breached the racing world with no motorsport experience

Being selected for the FIA Girls on Track Program gives Jure the chance of a lifetime

Jure now has the chance to compete in Formula 4. Photos supplied

Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson completed for the Queensland team at the Australian School Swimming Championships in Sydney last week.  

Team Manager, Kate Thomson said Jy and Jacob were great ambassadors for Queensland.  

Jacob and Jy made finals (Top Tens) for all their individual events.  

Jy, Queensland Captain, swam outstanding times in his 100m and 200m Butterfly taking out 4th place in Australia.  

Jy was placed 5th in Australia for his 50m Butterfly and 100m Freestyle and he was 6th place for his 50m Backstroke.  

Jacob Bell swam extremely well in his 400 IM to achieve 8th place.  

Both Jy and Jacob were excited to be a part of the Qld 17 – 19-year-old 4 x 50mm Male Relay team, they both swam impressive times, and the team was placed 4th.  

Jy was the anchor in the Qld Male 13 – 19-year-old 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay.  

He swam the fastest leg of the relay which was 53.57sec and the Qld team came 5th.  Congratulations to Jy, Jacob, and Kate!!

On the weekend, Nelson Malady aged 11 years competed in the Townsville Open Water “Ship to Shore” race.  

Nelson swam 1.5km from the ferry to the Townsville Strand in an awesome time of 31min 25min.  Nelson was the 2nd junior swimmer out of the water.  Congratulations, Nelson!  

The Cannons hosted another very successful Club Night on Wednesday night.  

The Cannons presented Tora Delac and Jax Clayworth with Club Records.  

Congratulations, Tora for setting a new 25m Breaststroke record in a time of 18.61sec.  Congratulations, Jax for setting a new 100m Butterfly record in a time of 1.28.83.  

The Chocolate Awards for PBs were presented to Tora Delac and Zane Clayworth.  

Congratulations to Abi Maher, Anton Bakx, Gage Cotton, and Isaac Pisaniello for achieving Upgrade times.  A big thank you to the wonderful parents for all their support with Club Nights!

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Jy, Jacob and Kate at the Aust School Swim Champs

Jax Clayworth with 100m Fly Record

Tora Delac Club Record Breaststroke. Photos supplied

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The Proserpine Whitsunday Brahmans U14 team are celebrating this week having beaten the Mackay Magpies in the Grand Final, coming home 2023 champions.

Coach Justin Follett has been coaching the team for the past nine years and although they undefeated last season, the team sadly lost the final.

This year, with a point to prove, the youngsters came back fighting, but it wasn’t looking good when they were beaten four times.

Despite this, they held themselves together as a team and triumphed.

“The boys deserved the win, they played ‘all out all game’ for each other,” said Justin.

“These young men bought into our game plan and executed it with precision. Everyone knew their job, and all put their shoulder to the wheel to achieve this great result.”

Lewis McDermid came up with a superb first try with his straight, hard line running and at half time it was 4 all. Captain Koby Johnson-Follett crossed the line twice in the second half and converted both tries to put us in front 16-10.

“I told the boys at half time that defence wins premierships,” said Justin.

“This sunk in, as the last 10 minutes of the game was a gruelling battle with the Magpies on our try line for 5 sets in a row.

“Our young Brahmans held them out till the full-time siren and secured the win.”

“I would like to thank all the boys for their outstanding effort, it was a thrilling game.

“The Brahmans culture is about loyalty, mateship, commitment, tenacity and unity – we are built on effort!

“These boys showed all of these attributes and more on Saturday to bring the Cup back to the Whitsundays.

“A special thank you to the support team of Russell Mau, Ros Leo, Kim Bates, Don McDermid, Mel Harsley, Matthew Court and Wes Carlson.

“We wanted to end the season with memories of a Premiership, not dreams, and we achieved that goal playing the, ‘Greatest Game of All’.

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The Under 14  Proserpine Whitsunday Brahmans wins the grand final. Photo credit: Blanchè Hunt

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As the days grow longer and spring is on our doorsteps the bowls this week has been sensational with so much news to tell.

Let’s start with Tuesday afternoon bowls saw only a small but strong field play with Wendy Pomeroy with Henny Tattam take home the prize money.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw Gary Kiff, Betty Whitehorn, Tony Whitehorn and Russell Jackson first round winners with the final playoff between Russell Jackson and Betty Whitehorn.

Sunday afternoon saw 42 bowlers.

The 7 rinks were used and play finished at 4 PM for prize giving and more stories from some of the people Nik had affected with his inspirational encouragement.

There was 3 winners named in first, second and third prize money the biggest winner of the day was an old teammate of Nik’s.

Whilst this game was played on another rink our own Manny Isgro with Harry Quad played won their pairs zone titles and are now in the last 8 to play out for the Queensland pairs champions well done boys whom also came to pay respect for our departed champion in Nik Fernbach.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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A lively week of bowls in Airlie Beach. Photo supplied

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A Big Winter Ending Week

Congratulations to Harry Craig and Alfie Moretto representing St Catherine's in the All Schools Cup Challenge at Pine Rivers on Wednesday and Thursday last week.  

Harry and Alfie played 9 games in this competition winning 6 to come in in 6th place out of 18 teams.  

The boys acquitted themselves with great composure throughout the event.

Even in this game where they suffered a defeat, the boys showed true resilience to continue to play their game.

On Sunday morning the Semi Finals of the 2 Bowl Triples were played.    S

hane Kinnear, Scott Hamilton and Wayne Handley defeated Kendall Watts, Gavin Noonan and Luchie Gardel 41 – 16.

Todd Leys, Jonathan Bye and Gavin Milne defeated Martin Corr, Ross Reville and Michael Kinnear 27 - 19.

Pratt Cup team has been announced for this weekend's Pratt Cup event.  

Day one is being held across four clubs with Mackay City, Sarina, Seaforth, and Wests Tigers being this year's host clubs for the first days and last year's winner Northern Beaches hosting the Semi Finals and Finals.  

Proserpine has been drawn to play Mackay City at Wests Tigers in the first round starting at 9am on Saturday, September 2 with the winner going on to play Seaforth who have a bye in the first round.  

Proserpine last won this event in 2020 and were runners up in 2021.  

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Beryl Nosworth, Elspeth Scotford, Toni Clauss, Ann Gardel, Trish McNeill, Penny Wardroper, Phil Batty, and Pam Harrison

Logan Devery, Daniel O’Donnell, Luke Paroz, and Phil Batty

Logan Devery, Levi Holmes, and Phil Batty. Photos supplied

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