Mackay’s PCYC pickleballers had another successful North Queensland outing last month, with a trip to Townsville for the second leg of the Queensland Pickleball Tour.
Approximately 100 competitors played across the full Tennis Townsville venue, comprising 12 plex pave courts. Mackay’s team consisted of Heather Hayes, Gigi Brake, Colleen Ingham, Mil Rohan and Michelle Sheehan.
Heather played in her first singles tournament in skills 3.5 and under, for ages 19 to 49. She came fourth overall and then picked up a silver medal in the women’s doubles (same skill range) with Vicki Mathews from Hervey Bay, a playing partner she met the day of the tournament.
For Colleen and Mil, it was their first tournament on outdoor courts and a great experience for everyone playing their first pickleball competition utilising a new scoring system.
The Mackay ladies competed in the women’s doubles skills 3.5 and under, age 50+, against some very competitive ladies from Townsville, Cairns, Hervey Bay, and the Atherton Tablelands.
There was also a valuable training opportunity held during the tournament, conducted by recent gold medal winners at the Asia Open 2022 Finals, Sarah Barr and Bec Kingsley, also Australian Pickleball champion Brendan Lee, plus Engage Pickleball Representatives, Nicholas Cooper and Martin Clark.
Michelle Sheehan said it was an education to watch these champions play their match with such speed and agility over the two days.
“We are re-energised and now gearing up for our next tour to Yeppoon on the weekend of 23-24 July 2022.
“Pickleball can be a low-impact sport that is easy to learn and play at almost any age—it is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis; this sport for life is regularly described as the fastest growing sport worldwide.”
You can find Mackay Pickleball at the PCYC indoor basketball stadium twice a week, Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7 pm and Thursdays from 12pm to 2 pm.
Mackay’s PCYC pickleballers competing in Townsville: Heather Hayes, Gigi Brake, Colleen Ingham, Mil Rohan and Michelle Sheehan. Photos supplied
Heather Hayes (second left) with fellow doubles players
Pickelballers could also take part in a training event
Heather Hayes won silver in the doubles with Vicki Mathews from Hervey Bay
