Sunshine Coast Stadium proved a lucky charm for the embattled Mackay Cutters rugby league team last Saturday when they toppled the Falcons 16-10 to chalk up their first victory in the QRL Hostplus Cup this season.

Not only did Michael Comerford’s under siege Cutters break their duck egg but they snapped a demoralising ten month win drought that stretched back to last August.

Euphoric scenes enveloped the stadium when half back Brendan Finnegan and centre Josh Smith crossed for late tries in the space of three minutes to seal a vital away triumph.

Coach Comerford had earlier predicted a win was “just around the corner” following some wholehearted performances from his gallant charges in recent weeks.

After opening their 2023 campaign with eleven consecutive defeats the rejuvenated Cutters were men on a mission when they travelled to the Kawana Waters Sports Precinct.

The Falcons posted first half tries by prop forward Chris Lewis and winger Sualauvi Faalogo and a Kyle Laybutt conversion to lead 10-0 at the interval but they faced a re-energised Mackay team after the break.

It was all the Cutters as the visitors lifted as a team to stage a second half revival – registering 16 unanswered points while finishing strongly to sink the Sunshine Coast club.

Hard working second rower Ethan Sweet was rewarded with a 48th minute try as Mackay sprung into action – spreading the ball wide to capitalise on the speed and footwork of their sharp back division.

Clever halves Finnegan and Adam Cook provided slick service as centres Smith and Blake Paskins, fullback Rayden Burns and wingers Flynn Camilleri and Dario Takitaki created havoc with their tricky running.

The Cutters forwards laid the foundations for a morale-boosting victory with props Hiale Roycroft, Josh Honan, Brandon Russell, Kobe Bone and Robson Stevens, hooker Kyle Schneider, back rowers Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano and Sweet, lock Sean Mullany and utility five eighth Bayley Gill all turning in strong displays.

Mackay trailed 10-4 with ten minutes left on the clock before the ever-alert Finnegan and Smith turned the tide with crucial four pointers in a grandstand finish.

The victory pushes the Cutters – who have not had their bye - off the bottom of the ladder and into a showdown with the sixth placed Wynnum Manly Seagulls this Saturday at BB Print Stadium at 6pm.

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Photo credit: Nicola Anne Photography

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Mackay Club Ladies Pennants won their Division game against North Mackay.

On Tuesday June 6, they travelled to play Arlie Beach then backed up on Thursday to play Sarina.

The Mackay Club is holding the B4 Men's Carnival on June 17-18. All the information is on the notice board. We currently have 14 spots filled and need two more to fill the 16 spots, so if you are a B grade Bowler and wish to nominate a team contact the club.

Friday June 16 the Club is holding Cut Throat 3 Bowl Pairs (any gender combo) 2pm start. Eight end game. Winners play on until the last 2 teams remaining. All club members and visitors are welcome to come down and have a good arvo.

Congratulations to Karina Dunn for being Ladies Open Singles Champion and Karina Dunn, Denise Messen, Carol Savage, Karli Burns who are the Ladies Fours Champions.

This weekend Club Championships continue. Saturday: Ladies U/65 Singles, Men's Open Pairs, Men's Open Singles. Sunday; Men's Open Singles, Men's B Grade Singles.

Results

Tuesday Social Play (30)

Winners of Winners - Tony Gibson, Grant Edmonds

Winners of Losers - Albert Wicks, Alf PAGDEN, Mick D'Aalessio.

Thursday Scroungers (18)

Steven Cassidy def Tom Casey

Friday Social Play

Val Edwards, Barry Jenner def Janice Nelson, Peter Nelson.

Competition games were played last weekend with some very close games.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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By Chris Karas

Mackay cricket legend Adam Knezevic has been appointed coach of the Queensland Schoolboys team for the annual Under 19s Cricket Challenge against NSW later this year.

The St Patrick’s College educator will prepare a strong Maroons X1 for a series of limited overs and Twenty20 fixtures against the Blues at Cudgen Cricket Club grounds in Kingscliff across the border.

Knezevic is Head Coach of Mackay-Whitsunday Cricket and continues to spearhead the Walkerston first grade attack with his left arm swing bowling in the Mackay Cricket Association.  

He guided the Capricornia Schoolboys X1 to a third placing at this year’s Queensland School Sport State Cricket Championships in Maroochydore.

Sunshine Coast were crowned champions with Met East finishing runners up.

Other competing teams included Darling Downs (fourth); South Coast (fifth), Peninsula (sixth), Met West (seventh), Wide Bay (eighth), Northern (ninth) and Met North (tenth).  

Talented Peninsula batsman Aidan Firman finished the tournament’s leading run scorer with 211 runs; Wide Bay’s emerging all-rounder Harry Sippel earned the Bowling Aggregate award with 13 wickets; Sunshine Coast gloveman Riley Johnson took most dismissals by a keeper with ten catches and one stumping while St Patrick’s College Mackay colt Etienne Pretorious was named Best All Rounder after scoring 167 runs and bagging nine wickets for the Capricornia team.    

A highlight for Murgon State High rep Sippel was grabbing a hat trick and superb figures of 7-5 off 23 deliveries against Capricornia in the preliminary rounds.          

Four players – Sunshine Coast star batsman Alex Procopis and ace all-rounder Curtis McAllister along with rising Brisbane State High School and Met East batsmen Daniel Skipwith and Jack Sonter – helped Queensland win the National Under 17 Championship title earlier this year in Tasmania.  

Skipwith (32 not out) and Sonter (19 not out) – who are products of Western Suburbs District Cricket Club in Queensland Premier Cricket - steered the Maroons to victory over the previously unbeaten NSW Metro in the trophy final.  

Sonter, a Holland Park junior, underlined his potential with a masterful 106 against Northern.                                                                                        

The Queensland Schoolboys Under 19 cricket squad is: Ben Baker (Sunshine Coast) captain; Alex Procopis (Sunshine Coast); Daniel Skipwith (Metropolitan East); Jack Sonter (Metropolitan East); Rohan Brady (Darling Downs); Liam Welsh (Capricornia); Aidan Firman (Peninsula); Zac McDermott (South Coast); Curtis McAllister (Sunshine Coast); Charlie Moore (Metropolitan East); Sahal Khatree (Metropolitan East); Cormack Wainwright (Darling Downs) and Ben Ramsbotham (Northern); Coach: Adam Knezevic (Mackay).  

Team manager is Lance Eggert from Metropolitan East.

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Legendary Mackay paceman Adam Knezevic will coach the Queensland Secondary Schools cricket team in a Challenge series with NSW later this year. Photo supplied

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Weekly Results

Monday 29 May 2023 – REMEMBRANCE DAY PAIRS

Week 3 of 3 – 7 Table One Winner Red Points

1st Terrence Sheedy / Eric Goodchild

2nd Marilin Robins / Sandy Patterson

3rd Antonia Tarradas / Lorna Shuttlewood

4th Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

FINAL REMEMBRANCE PAIRS

Overall Winner after 3 Weeks

1st Frances Brown

2nd Terrence Sheedy

3rd Janelle Conroy

4th Eric Goodchild

Australian Wide Pairs

11 Table One Winner Green Pts

1st Joy Block / Diane Stokes

2nd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

3rd Ann Whitmore / Laura Howland

4th Anne Lutz / Mary Cruickshank

Tuesday Evening 30 May 2023

5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Frances Brown / Peter Cowling

2nd Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris

3rd Ken Seaniger / Richard Wix

4th Janine Rodgers / Nancy Wix

Wednesday 31 May 2023 –9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Joy Brunette / Don Poole

2nd Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

4th Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

2nd Ian Cruickshank / Antonia Tarradas

3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th Sandy Patterson / Geoff Patterson

Thursday Evening 1 June 2023 - 4 Table Mitchell One Winner Green Points

1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Geoff Taylor / Annie Lynch

3rd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

4th Annette Howe / Debra Goodchild

Friday 2 June 2023 – 7 Table Mitchell - Green Points

N/S

1st Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix

2nd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Gwen Liddle / Ann Whitmore

4th Kath Poole / Nancy Martin

E/W

1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

2nd Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

3rd Victor Mason / Josie Crowley

4th Antonia Tarradas / Joy Block

Saturday 3 May 2023 – Whitsunday Zone Teams Event Red Points

Team Members

Brown Alan Brown / Frances Brown / Diane Morgan / Geoff Taylor / Janet Hansen

Conroy Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy / Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

Goodchild Eric Goodchild / David Ting / Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

Martin Lydie Martin / Deb Breeze / Betty Andison / Ellie Sheffield

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Contributed by Joy Block

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By Chris Karas

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Mackay rugby league stars Xavier Kerrisk, Jaxon Purdue, Kai Simon and Matthew Watts are well versed on the traditions of Queensland Origin football.

The talented quartet were part of an elite 37-man squad that spent two days training at the Maroons’ recent Under 18 Emerging Origin camp at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre in Brisbane where participants were given a taste of life as an Origin player.

The Emerging Origin program aims to help develop highly skilled rugby league players for Queensland representation with hooker Kerrisk, five eighth Purdue, centre Simon and power running forward Watts from the Mackay Cutters junior nursery earmarked for higher honours.

Kerrick and Purdue will spearhead St Patrick’s College Mackay in this year’s Cutters Cup, Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup competitions.

They were joined in the Emerging Origin camp by boom Redcliffe juniors in prop Michael Waqa, second rowers Zac Garton and Larry Siala, hooker Mitch Rogers and front rower Aholoka Toia who starred in the Dolphins’ Under 18 Mal Meninga Cup premiership winning side and Townsville Blackhawks trio of prop Jamal Shibasaki, back rower Elijah-Shane Tapau and half back Reece Foley.

The two-day camps are staged to give players of significant potential an insight into what it takes to play State of Origin football for Queensland.

Several aspects are covered including the Maroons players’ physical and mental preparation, team culture along with testing, field sessions and recovery.

Squad members listened to talks from Maroon legends Darius Boyd and Matt Gillett about the demands of being a State of Origin player and the sacrifices it takes to be successful.

Head Coach Nathan Cross said the camp had a strong focus on development, connection and encapsulating the Queensland Origin brand.

“We aim to give the players a deep understanding of what representing Queensland is all about and the core values that underpin our culture” said Cross.

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Rising Mackay rugby league half back Jaxon Purdue at the Queensland Emerging Under 18s Origin camp

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Mackay Table Tennis Association Tuesday night fixtures May 23, 2023:

Division 1:

Lexus (Graham Brake, Steven Whiting, Allan Edwards) d Mercedes (Geoff Denman, Graham Drury, Mark Sleeman) 7-4. Steven d Geoff -4, -11, 8, 14, 5.

Ferrari (Lee Brake, Andrew McHugh, Robbie Richards) d Jaguar (Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan, Tim Sheehan) 8-3. Lee d Anne 7, 11, -6, -7, 10.

BMW (Emma Widdup, Ian McKay, Ivan Perkins) d Audi (Duncan Treloar, Neil Brown, Janice Kent) 8-3. Ivan d Duncan -5, -9, 9, 5, 8.

Division 2:

Nissan (Matthew West, Graeme Walker, Will VanDeKaa) d Mazda (Peter Goodson, Lily Boland, Tony Bowman) 6-5. Graeme d Peter -6, 12, 9, -14, 9.

Isuzu (Andrea Nicholson, Donna Abbott, Steve Mathieson) d Honda (Ishan Rana, George Camilleri, Mark Stam) 9-2. Andrea d George -4, 3, 6, 7.

Division 3:

Hyundai (Duncan Sheridan, Noreen Fredericksen, Ollie Hamelink) d Holden (John McGee, Tiffany Camilleri) 6-5. John d Duncan 9, 10, -9, -9, 7.

Ford (Steve Crocker, Val Austin) d Kia (Sasha Palod, Virginia Clayton). Virginia d Val 4, -3, 8, 10, 6.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures May 23, 2023:

Division 1:

Blue (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) d Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) 7-5. Noreen d John 5, -9, -9, 7, 8.

Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) d Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) 9-3. Branko d Donna -4, -12, 8, 7, 4.

Division 2:

Purple (Iris Grasso, Ken Best, Judi Hicks) d White (Kim Challender, Marie Taylor, Kim Daffy) 9-3. Ken d Marie 8, 8, -5, -4, 6.

Orange (Coral Morgan, Louise Gould) d Pink (Robyn Bushell, Fred Saliba) 7-3. Louise d Fred -9, -5, 17, 4, 10.

Division 3:

Grey (Sharon Muller, Ian Dodds) d Lime (Thelma Caruana, Glenda Brookes, Myles Dutton) 7-5. Ian d Thelma 4, -7, 3, -10, 5.

Aqua (Pam Keune, Robyn Giles, Glenda Dutton) d Tan (Madge Saunders, Cheryl Aprato) 9-3. Cheryl d Glenda 17, -9, 6, 7.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Sashia Palod in action at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Elite Mackay Road Runners have battled for nearly thirty years to get their name on coveted The Grove 10km Handicap Trophy and today was no different when Oliver Rule took a resounding win in the historical event.  Oliver’s form of late has been nothing short of classy as he bolted from his handicap start to take on and hold off the rest of the field in the technically tricky course which included a seriously challenging ascent and descent of Apsley Way, Andergrove.

President Tim Magoffin and Vice-President Brendan Bishop welcomed over sixty runners and supporters to the annual event which was held in very cool conditions.  All runners were set off on their official Club handicap with the winner of the Award to be the first male or female member to cross the line. Lauren Connor’s brave effort in her very first ever 10km was rewarded with an outstanding second place behind the talented Oliver Rule.  

Heli Talinurm made a welcome return to running, taking gold in the 5km from her handicap start.  Jarrod Mackie registered an excellent 5km time to be the first male home based on his handicap start. Runners enjoyed the perfect running conditions despite the temperature being in single figures as they warmed up prior to their race start. The bright cloudless sky and low knots assisted runners produce some excellent performances with personal best times recorded by several runners including Carolyn Mapes.

Many thanks to Yuwi Country and The Grove for allowing use of their tree covered car park for a couple of hours, much appreciated!  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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2022 The Grove 10km Handicap Champion, Heli Talinurm hands the coveted trophy to 2023 Champion, Oliver Rule

Chrissy Evangelou takes time out from the BMA Mackay Marina Run organising committee to slot in an easy 5km at The Grove Handicap Trophy event

Michael Feenaghty strides out well in the 5km despite a niggly injury

Joe Grech, Mick Vivian and Werner VanDerLinde relax after The Grove 10km Handicap Championship event. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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By Chris Karas

Rugby league young guns Xavier Kerrisk and Jaxon Purdue have enhanced their sporting reputations with selection in the Queensland Secondary Schools Under 18s representative team.

The dynamic St Patrick’s College Mackay duo were named in a powerful Maroons schoolboys’ squad after stand out performances for the Capricornia region at last week’s State Secondary Schools Carnival in Townsville.

Both played key roles to help Capricornia reach the Championship final against South Coast with the classy Kerrisk – rated one of the best young hookers in Queensland – also named Player of the Tournament and joint Player of the Final with rival Bailley McConnell.

Kerrisk and the skilful Purdue are both Mackay Cutters junior products and contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys.

The pair recently participated in the Queensland Under 18s Emerging Origin camp and will now focus on helping St Patrick’s College go one better at this year’s Confraternity Games Rugby League Championships in Brisbane later this month.

Promising Capricornia fullback Mutua Brown, from The Cathedral College in Rockhampton, also forced his way into the Queensland Schoolboys squad.

The trio will line up for the Maroons at the National Secondary Schools Championships that will be staged at Redcliffe during July.

There was more good news for St Patrick’s College when emerging forward Sam Anderson was chosen in the Queensland Secondary Schools Under 15s White squad.

Anderson joins fellow Capricornia reps in The Cathedral College Rockhampton second rower Jake Armstrong and five eighth Archie Lloyd and St Brendan’s Yeppoon hooker Jay Marsh in the Maroons squad to compete at the National Schoolboys Under 15 Championships at Port Macquarie during September.

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Mackay hooker Xavier Kerrisk was named Player of the Tournament at the Queensland Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships

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Steer Meteors Into NBL 1 North Top Four

Mackay Meteors have rediscovered their championship groove in the NBL 1 North basketball competition.

Joel Khalu’s marauding charges gathered momentum when they registered their seventh victory in eleven matches after trouncing the Cairns Marlins 107-76 last Saturday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

The win avenged a seven-point loss on the road to the Marlins earlier this month and keeps the Meteors entrenched in the top four.

Spearheaded by champion point guard Isaac White and key guard Tyler Williams, the Mackay men had too many big guns for the visitors as they stamped their authority from the outset.

The Meteors powered their way to a 34-14 lead at the end of the first quarter and led 60-34 at half time and 89-62 at the end of the third break.

White was at his mercurial best as he blitzed the Marlins with accurate shooting and super court craft to finish the match with 33 points, eleven assists, six rebounds and two steals.

Also effective for the Meteors were hot shot Williams who notched 23 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals; Shane Temara (14 points and six rebounds); Amarco Doyle (11 points and five boards) and Isaiah Lee (10 points, six rebounds and two assists).

The Marlins were best served by Tad Dufelmeier (20 points, seven assists and four rebounds) with Lachlan Anderson contributing 19 points and four boards and Ky Stattmann (13 points, four rebounds and two assists.

In the womens fixture the Dolphins rolled the Meteorettes 82-73 in an entertaining match.

New Cairns import Jennifer Coleman capped a superb debut with 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals.

The Dolphins led 24-18 at the first break and controlled the play to notch their fifth win after ten matches.

Leichan Williams contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds; Teyahna Bond 17 points and five boards; Taylor Mole 17 points and five rebounds and Shaneice Swain nine points, four boards and two assists.

Brittany Reeves produced a stand out display for the Meteorettes with 23 points, 16 rebounds and two steals and was supported by

Denesha Bobongie (12 points, seven rebounds and four assists); Ellie Collins (10 points) and Davida Dale (seven points, nine rebounds, seven assists and five steals).

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Isaac White. Photo credit: Chris Karas

McDonald's Mackay Meteors beat the Cairns Marlins 107 - 76. Photo credit: Keiron Place Art & Photography

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In his first season as Mackay Mavericks coach, Brad Somerville exceeded expectations by leading the local gridiron club to the Reef Bowl, coming agonisingly close to their first ever title.

“All we wanted to do was play great football and improve throughout the year so the fact that we were able to get there was amazing for the boys,” he said.

“They really put in 110% to get us there.”

With the 2023 preseason approaching, Mr Somerville is excited by the growth the sport has seen, exemplified by the announcement of the club finding a new home at Western Suburbs Leagues Club.

“It really sures up gridiron in Mackay moving forward,” Mr Somerville said.

“It allows us to take the next step forward as a football program.

“They’ve got strategic plans out there for future developments, so we want to be involved in that.”

The Mackay Mavericks also welcomed a new roster of coaching staff, with many of the players coming on as coaches including Saige Webber as Offensive Coordinator, Ben Clement as Line Coach, Chase Ayres as Defensive Coordinator and John Williams as Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Mr Somerville said the growth in coaching staff as well as the growth in sponsorship is positive for the sport, with plans for women’s and junior competitions in the works.

“We’re hoping to keep it growing,” he said.

“We want to get as many numbers to training and games as we can, and we want our home games to be a spectacle this year.”

With the game of Gridiron requiring a large roster of players, Mr Somerville said the club is still looking for players, coaches and volunteers.

“Anyone who’s thought about it, anyone who wants to keep fit in the rugby league offseason, anyone who’s interested in even helping out, we’re after all sorts of people,” he said.

Message Mackay Gridiron on Facebook or Instagram to express your interest and keep an eye out for the Mavericks’ first home game.

“It won’t just be a game,” Mr Somerville said.

“It’ll be very American.”

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Mackay Mavericks came agonisingly close to their first title in the 2022 season. Photo supplied

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Pipped By Tigers In Hostplus Cup Thriller

Mackay Cutters Rugby League Club paid homage to their champions of yesteryear but couldn’t share the spoils after another heartbreaking Hostplus Cup loss at BB Print Stadium last weekend.

Brisbane Tigers pipped the courageous Cutters 30-28 in a QRL top division thriller to move into second spot but can consider themselves lucky after surviving a monumental challenge from the home side.

A last gasp try by winger Jaylan To’o gave the Cutters an opportunity to salvage a deserved draw – but Brandon Finnegan’s sideline conversion attempt shaved the upright.

It was a cruel twist for Finnegan and his team mates who played superbly in their best performance of the season against a quality Tigers team.

The classy Finnegan marshalled the Mackay team with aplomb and figured in a classic goalkicking duel with rival half back Jack Miers – with both kickers landing spectacular goals from the sideline in a n epic contest.

Earlier members of the Cutters’ triumphant 1993 State League and 2013 Intrust Super Cup premiership-winning sides formed a Guard of Honour as the Mackay players took the field.

And the Cutters made an early statement – spinning the ball wide with passing rushes as centre Blake Paskins and the elusive To’o crossed for tries in the opening six minutes to give Mackay a 12-0 lead.

The Tigers hit back when fullback Tahj Wood swooped on a loose ball to score before power running Mackay forward Hiale Roycroft crashed over for the Cutters third try that was converted by Finnegan.

At 18-6 a major upset was brewing with the Cutters controlling the rucks and menacing the Tigers with their bustling defence and strong running.

But the Tigers found a new lease of life and notched two quick tries by back rower Joe Chan and winger Kane Bradley as both sides went to the break locked at 18-all.

In a second half arm wrestle, Tigers’ utility Zak Taibi grabbed a crucial try in the corner before Cutters’ five eighth Adam Cook responded as Mackay levelled proceedings.

Bradley gave the visitors the edge when he nabbed a second try with eight minutes left on the clock with Miers potting the extras from the sideline for a six-point lead.

Mackay launched another raid and set the scene for a gripping finish when the athletic To’o snared his second try in the dying moments.

The entire Cutters team deserve special mention for a wholehearted performance and go into this Saturday’s tussle with Sunshine Coast Falcons at Sunshine Coast Stadium with a confidence boost.

In the Hastings Deering Colts fixture the second placed Brisbane Tigers eclipsed the Cutters 30-14.

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Mackay Cutters guard of honour. Photo credit: Chris Karas

Mackay Cutters were narrowly defeated by Brisbane Tigers 30-28. Photos supplied: Mackay Cutters

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After Sunshine Coast resident Scott Smith had a work accident in 2005 resulting in the amputation of his right leg, discovering the Queensland Amputee Golf Association (QAGA) changed his life.

“I used to play socially with mates and then I found QAGA and joined up and it’s been great,” he said.

“It’s a very big thing for your personal wellbeing, the social aspect of it as well, getting out and meeting new people, amputees in the same situation as you are and hearing their stories.

“It just inspires you to get out and play.”

Mr Smith has since become President of QAGA, bringing the QAGA Open back to the Mackay Golf Club for the second year in a row in August.

Mayor of Mackay Regional Council Greg Williamson said the 2022 event was the first to be held outside southeast Queensland in the Open’s 18 year history.

“When they first came here last year, they had such a great time that they’re coming back this year,” he said.

The QAGA Open will consist of a charity golf day on Friday, August 11, where social and corporate golfers will be able to play alongside the amputees before the tournament gets underway across August 12 and 13.

“They really do know how to have fun and the golf’s pretty good as well,” Mr Williamson laughed.

Mackay Golf Club President George Jenkins said last year’s event was a success.

“The club staff and our pro shop, they ran a really successful event last year and it’s a testament to that success that QAGA are back here again,” he said.

“It’s always exciting to have these events hosted here.”

Approximately 30 amputees are expected to compete in the 2023 QAGA Open with some coming from as far as Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, competing alongside local amputees.

The four-person-per-team Ambrose charity golf day is happening on Friday, August 11 from a 12:00pm shotgun start with the tournament to continue over August 12 and 13.

Contact Mackay Golf Club to register for the charity golf day and registrations for the world ranked QAGA Open are open now at golf.org.au.

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Mackay Golf Club President George Jenkins, QAGA President Scott Smith, QAGA Treasurer Ken Rowsell and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Mackay Bowls Club News

Men's Pennants fixtures have finished with for 2023 and Mackay Club have finished first in Division 6, Second in Division 2 and fifth in Division 4.

After not getting away to a good start in the first couple of rounds, the club got it together and won all of their next seven games playing some great bowls and claiming maximum points to secure the flag. Thanks to all the players who made themselves available and showing good sportsmanship and competitiveness throughout the competition.

Thanks to the selectors who had the job each week to select best teams as sometimes very hard with a lot of shift workers in the club. Well done, boys. Very appreciated.

The Club is holding Men's B Grade Fours Carnival on Weekend of June 17-18.

Information and nomination sheets are on the noticeboard and there are still a few vacancies.

Ladies Pennants continue this week with a home game against North Mackay.

Ladies competition continues this Friday with Single Finals Carol Savage v Karina Dunn; Championships Pairs Helen Truscott, Erin Clemett v Kerrie Catanzariti; Saturday June 3 Ladies Championships Fours Final; Sunday 4th June Ladies Championships Trebles.

RESULTS:

Tuesday Social Play (22)

Winners of Winners

John Jorgensen, Greg Thompson, Trevor Mayfield Winners of Losers Alan Bartlett, Robyn Schatkowski Thursday Scroungers (14) Carol Savage def Mick Coll

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Novice and B Grade winner for 2023 Phyllis Morgan

Mackay City Ladies 4’s winners Anna Forsyth, Ashlee Knight, Barbara Adams and Beth Dawes

Ladies Open Fours Winners of the Marie Gravino Shield Barbara Adams, Mary Orchard, Jenny Cecil and Kathy Mathews

Brand new members Beris Jeffrey, Rose Patroni and Grace Ryan receiving their Welcome Booklets from Janette Dark

Merle Cameron playing pennants at Airlie

Emma Pash enjoying her pennant game at Airlie. Photos supplied: Shirley Sturgeon

Division 6 Pennant Winners

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By Amanda Wright

In a race that left no wheel unturned, the Mackay Cycling Club paid homage to the Corry Family last weekend, with the adrenaline-pumping Corry Shield race. This highly anticipated annual event showcased the club's deep appreciation for the unwavering support of John, Len, Evan, Ryan, and other members of the Corry clan, who have been key spokes in the cycling community for generations.

The Corry Shield, a true tour de force, offered riders of all abilities an exhilarating challenge on the twisting and turning River Loops course in Erakala, pedalling their way through a fast and flat 48 kilometers.

In a sprint to the finish, David O'Connell emerged as the champion, conquering the course in a time of 1 hour, 19 minutes, and 49 seconds. Chasing close behind, Michael Novikov claimed a well-deserved second place, while Brendan Hoban secured an impressive third-place finish.

Despite being known for his climbing prowess, Brendon Brauer claimed the title of the fastest male rider, in a time of 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 8 seconds, demonstrating great power along the flat course. On the women's side, Tracy Borchardt took the lead, showcasing her pedal power with a time of 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 3 seconds.

The Corry Shield race stands as a testament to the enduring support and tireless contributions of the Corry Family, who have been pivotal in steering the club toward success.

RESULTS

1st David O'Connell

2nd Michael Novikov

3rd Brendan Hoban

4th Jason Lund

5th Andy Pate

6th Brendon Brauer

7th Glen McDermott

8th Ethan Weiss

9th Tracy Borchardt

10th Craig Larsen

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Sarina Beach Fun Run 2023

The sun rose across Sarina Beach as hundreds of runners and spectators gathered for the Cruisin’ The Coast Fun Run on Sunday, May 21.

With about 150 runners registered in the event’s fourth year, the 2023 Cruisin’ The Coast provided a competitive yet social event in challenging yet picturesque conditions across a variety of distances.

Raising funds for the Sarina Surf Life Saving Club and sponsored by Community Bank Sarina, Fun Run Coordinator Neil John said the event was about getting people onto the beach for a bit of fun.

“We’re on the beach every weekend with lifesaving and we want to share our beautiful beach with everybody in the area,” he said.

“We basically put all the profits back into patrolling equipment, nipper equipment and helping to run our programs on the beach.

“It’s a really scenic run and the weather’s beautiful.

“We’d love to see people down here for next year; the more, the merrier.”

Fun Run In The Sun

Cruisin’ The Coast Fun Run Results

Permanent Way Solutions Under 10s Beach Run 1km

1st Baxter Allen – 4:34

2nd Caitlin Pearce – 6:15

3rd Phoebe Pearce – 6:25

Wilmar Sugar Beach Run 3km

1st Lane Brady – 16:10

2nd Lily Norrie – 17:32

3rd Brianna Renehan – 18:06

Ray White Sarina Beach Run 5km

1st Zane Saye – 21:02

2nd Kyran Holt – 25:04

3rd Rylan Gordon – 25:41

Community Bank Sarina Walk 5km

1st Carol Davies

2nd Maree Franettovich

3rd Ann Fordyce

Daly Bay Beach Run 10km

1st Aaron Ford – 41:57

2nd Nick Glass – 47:43

3rd Caroline Pigerre – 52:25

North Queensland Bulk Ports Half Marathon

1st Paul McKenzie – 1:37:52

2nd Mick Vivian – 1:41:06

3rd Rolly Lisle – 1:42:32

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L-R Sarina Surf Life Saving Club President Trent Vernon, Rolly Lisle, Mick Vivian, Sarina Community Bank Chair and Deputy Mayor Karen May, Paul McKenzie and Fun Run Coordinator Neil John. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Bring Home Year 9/10 Karen Murphy Cup

Star Mackay Cutters rugby league half back Brandon Finnegan is celebrating his first win of the 2023 season.

The skilful playmaker coached the St Patrick’s College Year 9/10 Girls Blue team to Karen Murphy Cup success last week at the Mackay Junior League Fields to snap a lengthy personal losing streak.

It has been a frustrating period for the 25 year old maestro number seven who last tasted victory in the QRL Hostplus Cup with the Cutters on August 6 last season in a 34-16 win over Central Queensland Capras at BB Print Stadium.

After missing early round matches with a knee injury, the clever half has tried valiantly to lift the struggling Cutters, who are still chasing their first triumph in the 2023 competition.

But his fortunes changed when the St Patrick’s Blues eclipsed the St Patrick’s Reds team 16-8 in the schoolgirls final to regain the Karen Murphy Cup trophy.

Promising half back Courtney Harris and second rower Lucy McKendry – both products of the Walkerston Wanderers JRLFC – were officially named Players of the Tournament.

They were ably supported by talented lock Cianna Faulkner, dashing fullback Zoe Ziegeler and tireless hooker and middle forward Tilly Clark.

Both St Patrick’s sides topped their respective Pools to qualify for the trophy decider with the Blues toppling Mackay Christian College (24-0), Pioneer High (12-0) and Mackay State High (12-8) in preliminary matches and the Reds rolling Holy Spirit College (8-0), Sarina High (20-0) and Moranbah (24-4).

Under the guidance of coach Lauren Jones, the Reds led 4-0 in the Grand Final after an early try from half Keeley Logan and added another by middle Kelsi Hazeldine before the Blues demonstrated their class with a four try blitz from Harris, McKendry, Clark and middle Scarlett Ford to clinch the title.

The Reds were best served by playmaker Logan, dashing fullback Madi Mooney and prop Sophie Searle.

Contributed by Chris Karas

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Brandon Finnegan’s all conquering St Patrick’s College Blue rugby league team celebrate their Karen Murphy Cup Year 9-10 schoolgirls trophy win over St Patrick’s College Red last week at the Mackay Junior League Fields

Karen Murphy Cup-winning coach Brandon Finnegan and team manager Vikki McGrath with Players of the Tournament – St Patrick’s Blue second rower Lucy McKendry and half back Courtney Harris

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Men's Pennants were played on the weekend with some results not going the Mackay Club’s way.

Division 2 Played Pioneer Valley on Saturday away with an aggregate Score of 44 all, points 2.5 to 2.5. On Sunday they played Marian at home and didn't get the result they wanted, aggregate score 58 to 50, points 1 to 5.

Division 4 played Airlie Beach at home on Saturday with an aggregate score of 44 to 54, points 0 to 5. On Sunday they played City away with an aggregate score 57 to 44, points 4 to 1.

Division 6 carried on their winning way playing Arlie Beach on Saturday at home with an aggregate score of 67 to 27, points 5 to 0. On Sunday they played Sarina at home with an aggregate score of 50 to 28, points 5 to 0.

This weekend is the last games in Men's Pennants, with Ladies Pennants starting on Wednesday 24th May with Mackay Club playing at North Mackay.

Ladies B Singles and Pairs have been finalised with B Singles Winner Janice Nelson, runner-up Thelma Fry.

B Grade Pairs Winners Janice Nelson and Kerry Catanzariti, runners-up Thelma Fry and Toni Blucher.

Tuesday Social Play Winners of Winners Arthur Nayler, Whare Herwini, Rod Kleinschmit, Barry

Paskins.

Winners of Losers Albert Wicks, Alf Pagden, Mick d'Alessio.

Thursday Scroungers Mick Coll def Carol Savage.

Friday Social Play Peter Nelson and Val Edwards def Kristine Robinson and Barry Jenner.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Ladies from the North Mackay Bowls Club celebrated a momentous occasion earlier in May as they commemorated the club’s 75th birthday. President Lidia McCarthy extended a warm welcome to members from all clubs in the Mackay district, as well as esteemed guests from Bowls Queensland, including Directors Colleen Ryan and Carmel Gibb. Past Presidents and special guests were also in attendance, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The festivities commenced with a delightful morning tea, featuring a selection of cakes, biscuits, tea, and coffee. Following the refreshments, the attendees headed to the rinks for a series of enjoyable and friendly games, beginning with a closest-to-the-'spider' challenge on each rink.

At lunch, Lidia took the opportunity to deliver a heartfelt speech, recounting the club's humble beginnings and acknowledging the tremendous effort put in by numerous individuals. She expressed her gratitude to President Eric Gallettly and Ray McCarthy from the Men's Club for their involvement, as well as North Mackay Bowls Club Chairman Neil Blucher, who shared insights into the club's formation. To mark the occasion, President Lidia invited the special guests from Bowls Queensland and Margo Stanley from the MDLBA to assist in cutting the beautifully decorated birthday cake.

The excitement continued with the highly anticipated super cent sale, featuring an array of prizes. The success of the event would not have been possible without the presence and support of the bowlers, non-players, past presidents, and special guests, and a heartfelt thank you was extended to all who attended.

In the spirit of friendly competition, the winners of the anniversary games were announced: June Cousen, Leanne Lewis, and Maureen Blucher claimed the top spot, while Pam McDermott, Marie Bragg, and Betty Whitehorn emerged as the runners-up.

Contributed by Suzanne Hazledine

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Cutting the celebratory 75th anniversary cake. L-R: Margo Stanley, Colleen Ryan, Lidia McCarthy, Carmel Gibb

A commemorative plaque awarded from Bowls Queensland to the North Mackay Bowls Club Ladies Section. L-R: Lidia McCarthy, Colleen Ryan, Carmel Gibb and Helen Fleming

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It is back to the drawing board for the Mackay Cutters first grade rugby league team after a Suncorp Stadium shellacking against the Dolphins in the QRL Hostplus Cup competition last weekend.

Redcliffe produced a nine try blitz to trounce the embattled Cutters 52-10 in a curtain raiser to the Melbourne Storm v Dolphins NRL fixture and heap more pain on Michael Comerford’s winless charges.

After ten consecutive losses the demoralised Cutters face an uphill task of qualifying for the finals.

They led 6-0 after a converted second minute try by winger Walter Lauenstein before the dominant Dolphins turned on the style with a barrage of four pointers to set up an emphatic victory.

Wingers Jack Bostock and Brayden McGrady, fullback Trai Fuller and second rowers Jeremiah Simbiken and Mason Teague crossed for tries as Redcliffe established a commanding 28-6 lead at the break.

There was no respite after the interval with centre Albert Kelly, interchange players Ryan Jackson and Harrison Graham and half back Cody Hunter all notching four pointers for a rampant Redcliffe side.

The talented Hunter capped a fine display with a personal points tally of 20 through a try and eight goals.

It was a mixed week for key Mackay playmaker Brandon Finnegan after earlier coaching the St Patrick’s College Year 9-10 girls rugby league team to a Karen Murphy Cup title.

Finnegan tried hard to spark the disappointing Cutters who play host to the seventh placed Brisbane Tigers this Saturday afternoon at BB Print Stadium at 6pm.

UNBEATEN Redcliffe claimed bragging rights after slamming the Cutters 32-10 in their top of the table Hastings Deering Under 21 Colts clash at Jim Lawrie Oval, Brighton.

The Dolphins powerful forward pack paved the way for a fourth successive victory with strong running and jarring defence – piling on four tries by prop Tevita Toloi, winger Brenton Baira, second rower Noah Lutui and hooker Taniela Otukolo after dynamic Cutters centre Kai Simon had opened the scoring after six minutes.

Redcliffe led 22-6 at lemons with Lutui and replacement hooker Ayden Hoad bagging second half tries before Mackay hooker Kobe Bone grabbed a late consolation four pointer.

It was the Cutters first loss in the Colts competition and they face another tough assignment this Saturday at BB Print Stadium when they line up against the third placed and undefeated Brisbane Tigers at 3.45pm.

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Results of B4, over 2 weeks Red Points

1st Robert Carless / Janelle Conroy

2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

3rd Jan Harris / Mick King

4th Ken Seaniger / Joy Robinson

5th Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore

Monday 15 May 2023 – REMEMBRANCE DAY PAIRS – Week 1 of 3 - 9 Table Mitchell Red Points

N/S

1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown

2nd Marie McGuire / Joyce Deguara

3rd Geoff Patterson / Noel Bugeia

E/W

1st Max Holewa / Eric Leivesley

2nd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

3rd Sandy Patterson / Mick Robins

Tuesday Evening 16 May 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

2nd Janet Hansen / Lorna Shuttlewood

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley

2nd Marilin Robins / Faye Wright

Wednesday 17 May 2023 – Week 10 of 23 Nation Wide Pairs 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

2nd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

3rd Antonia Tarradas / Ian Cruickshank

3rd Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders

E/W

1st Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

4th Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

Thursday Evening 18 May - 4 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Sandy Patterson / Jan Harris

2nd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

1st Robert Carless / Ken Seaniger

2nd Patricia Garner / Mick King

Friday 19 May 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell - Green Points

N/S

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Joyce Deguara / Toni Large

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

2nd Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood

3rd Monica Darley / Joy Robinson

Saturday 20 May 2023 – 2nd Round of B4. 8 Table Mitchell Red Points

N/S

1st Mick King / Jan Harris

1st Julie O’Neill / Frances Brown

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Del Ryan

E/W

1st Robert Carless / Janelle Conroy

2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

3rd Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore

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The B4 winners were Janelle Conroy and Robert Carless

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Mackay Road Runners embarked on a challenging vertical journey with the inaugural Jo's 70 Steps race last week, featuring an updated race name to reflect the altered course due to renovations.

The addition of one extra step on the High Street side of the Rotary Lookout prompted the adjustment.

While the number 70 has been quoted as the official count, debates persist among runners who, in the midst of their exertion, often lose track of the steps while struggling to catch their breath.

The handicap start race saw highly ranked runners commence their chase from the rear, based on a handicap time, as they aimed to surpass their fellow participants.

This unique concept caters to both slower and faster runners, ensuring that everyone gets to experience the thrill of the race with a chance of victory.

The run commenced from Gordon White Library and ascended towards the summit of The Rotary Lookout via Pollock Street.

The runners then descended on the other side into High Street before embarking on the steep ascent/descent back to the starting line.

Toby Rule and Luke Leven, who relished in the challenge of the two-loop 10km course, had a unique perspective of the route as the cheering crowd welcomed them across the finish line.

Impressive performances were witnessed from a group of passionate athletes who were energised and invigorated after participating in Legends on the Lawn.

Hamish Donnellan, Travis Carlton, Walker Murray, Oliver Rule, Justin Rule, Abigail Sweeney, Tahnie Malagueno, Carolyn Mapes, Carmel Mahon, Carmel Grech, Lily Leven, Jan Smith, Lauren Connor, Alleny Gorrion, Shane Donnellan, Jo Hughes, Lorraine Perry, Leanne Connor, Toni Enright, Werner Van Der Linde, Ollie Gorrion, Alan Zamparutti, David Isbister, Stuart Sprott, and the highest backmarker, Angus Jacobs, who made a much-awaited return to the racing scene, all displayed exceptional running abilities.

This Sunday’s Mackay Road Runners event, the Grove Handicap Trophy, is a historical race with a trophy awarded for the first male or female to cross the finish based on their 10km handicap start time.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Lauren Connor sprints to the finish line in the Jo’s 70 Steps 5km

Crystal Hawkins had a great outing in the Jo’s 70 Steps event conquering the many serious ascents with ease

Travis Carlton and Carmel Mahon enjoy the downhill start before the hills in the Jo’s 70 Steps 10km event

Toni Enright bolts from her handicap start time in the Jo’s 70 Steps 5km from Gordon White Library carpark

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Pioneer Swimming Club made waves with its highly anticipated Short Course Transition Meet, held at the Mackay Aquatic Centre on Sunday, May 21. Swimmers from Townsville, Ayr, Proserpine, Cannonvale, Rockhampton, Emerald, and Yeppoon flocked to the event, which has grown in popularity over the years, traditionally having been a half day meet and now a full day meet.

The support from surrounding clubs, as well as Pioneer Swimming Club's own members and new financial sponsor, Harvey Legal, played a vital role in ensuring the success of the meet.

Among the highlights of the meet was Pioneer Swimming Club's inaugural win of the Highest Points Club Trophy, awarded to the club with the highest aggregate points. The introduction of the All-Age Relay added an extra thrill to the day, fostering camaraderie and excitement among competitors and clubs.

The Pioneer Short Course Meet holds a special place in the North Queensland swimming calendar as it traditionally marks the beginning of the Short Course Season. Swimmers strive to achieve qualifying times for the upcoming Hancock Prospecting Queensland Short Course Championships in Brisbane, scheduled for August.

As Pioneer swimmers wrap up their successful home carnival, they now set their sights on the upcoming Cannonvale Cannons Carnival on June 17, an eagerly anticipated event in the Swimming North Queensland calendar. The club continues to excel, showcasing their talent and determination in the pool.

Contributed by Pioneer Swimming Club

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Club President Kylie Smith awarding Pioneer Club Captain, Viktor Lee the Highest Points Award

Mayor Greg Williamson attended the meet, pictured with Makenna Malagueno, Madison Malagueno and Ella Bounden

Members of the Pioneer Swimming team

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To Epic Hoops Victory Over Salties

Mackay basketball wizard Isaac White stamped himself the ultimate warrior in the NBL1 North competition with another stellar performance last Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

The champion point guard piloted the Meteors to a thrilling 92-86 victory over the Darwin Salties.

White was at his inspirational best as he posted 34 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and 12/14 at the free throw line to sink the Salties in yet another best on court showing.

It was the Meteors sixth win of the season and avenged last weekend’s loss in Darwin - snapping a four match losing streak that left a relieved coach Joel Khalu with plenty of positives for the championship task ahead.

The gritty Salties – led by former Meteors pin up players Jerron Jamerson and Viliami Foketi – played hard ball from the opening whistle and led 28-22 at quarter time; 51-42 at the half time break and 70-69 at the end of the third quarter.

With trump card White leading the way, the Meteors rallied in the final quarter with centre DJ Baptiste (16 points, 19 rebounds, five assists and four blocks) and talented guards Tyler Williams (15 points, six boards and five steals) and Isaiah Lee (10 points, seven assists and four rebounds) stepping up in supporting roles to clinch a vital win.

Mackay Meteorettes won plenty of admirers after a pulsating 76-75 loss to undefeated competition leaders Darwin in the early game.

The young Mackay outfit came very close to causing a boilover with gifted guard Davida Dale’s last-gasp throw brushing the basket in a pulsating finish.

Mackay stunned the visitors by establishing a 28-21 lead at quarter time and trailed 38-37 at the main break and 60-50 moving into the final quarter.

Promising forwards Brittany Reeves (22 points and ten rebounds) and Denesha Bobongie (17 points, four rebounds and two steals) spearheaded the Mackay challenge with support from rising centre Charli Bliss (10 points and six boards) and the dynamic Dale (10 points, ten  rebounds, seven assists, five steals and two blocks).

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Photo credit: Kieron Place Art & Photography

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Mackay dad daughter duo Terry and Kylah Norris recently represented the district at the NQRA Kings long range shooting competition held in Townsville during May.

The pair comfortably took out 1st and 2nd place in the coveted Kings long-range competition after also taking the top two spots in the lead up competition “The Wilson”.

The local family made the pilgrimage to Townsville earlier in the month where they competed against shooters from right across Australia over five days of hotly contested competition.

Terry and Kylah shoot in the Sporter-Hunter class, where they shoot “off the shelf” rifles in the prone position from the ground.

The 2-day Wilson and 3-day Kings competitions were shot at distances between 500 metres right out to 900 metres.

The pair showed real class and were able to create a sizable gap in the points to 3rd place and the rest of the field in both competitions.

The Wilson competition has a possible 300 points available if a competitor can shoot perfect scores and The Kings has 400 points up for grabs.

Terry only dropped one point in each competition and Kylah, hot on his heels, only dropped two points in each.

Kylah also took out the under 25 trophy which is scored across all the disciplines.

The pair will now have a break before ramping up for more competitions later this year.

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Kylah and Terry Norris with their combined haul

Great shooters, great mates. Photos contributed: Terry Norris

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The local cricket scene is gearing up for an electrifying showdown as Australia A Men and New Zealand A Men prepare to battle it out in a thrilling series. The highly anticipated competition will feature two four-day fixtures and three one-day matches, with two of the games set to take place at the newly redeveloped Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay this September.

The impressive $25.1 million project at Harrup Park has solidified Mackay's status as a premier cricket destination. With a new covered grandstand, top-notch facilities for players, match officials, and broadcast TV crews, as well as a capacity to accommodate up to 10,000 spectators, the revamped venue has confirmed Mackay’s place as a national destination for cricket.

Fans at the Great Barrier Reef Arena will witness a captivating day-night pink-ball match during the second four-day fixture, taking place from September 4th to 7th, 2023. Following that, on September 10th, fans will be treated to an intense one-day game at the same venue.

The upcoming series holds immense significance for players, as it offers them an opportunity to showcase their talents and compete for national selection in the highly anticipated 2023-24 summer of cricket.

Cricket Australia's Executive General Manager of High Performance & National Teams, Ben Oliver, highlighted the strategic importance of Australia A and National Under-19 opportunities. He stated, "Developing and extending our next tier of players is one of our highest priorities."

Terry Doolan, Chairman of the Harrup Park Country Club and Mackay Cricket Association, expressed his gratitude towards Cricket Australia for their unwavering support.

Doolan emphasised the local impact of hosting top-level matches at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, stating, "It will inspire participation, celebrate community, and promote the world-renowned natural wonders Mackay has to offer."

AUSTRALIA A V NEW ZEALAND A FIXTURES  

Monday 28 - Thursday 31 August, 2023, Allan Border Field

Monday 4 - Thursday 7 September, 2023 (D/N), Great Barrier Reef Arena

Sunday, 10 September 2023, Great Barrier Reef Arena

Wednesday, 13 September 2023 (D/N), Allan Border Field

Friday, 15 September 2023, Allan Border Field

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For Mighty St Patrick’s Red League Rookies

Meet the promising St Patrick’s College Red rookies that captured the NRL Gala Day Trophy last week at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

Under the guidance of Sports Co-ordinator Mercy campus Matthew Paul, the Mackay colts underlined their depth of talent       with impressive victories in the preliminary rounds before toppling Bowen State High School 8-4 in the Year 7/8 trophy decider.

It is a second championship title for the young St Patrick’s warriors who won the Mackay Secondary Schools Year 7/8 rugby league premiership last month.  

St Patrick’s Red defeated Pioneer State High, Moranbah State High White and Mackay State High in the lead up to the Final.

Led by rampaging props Nate Faulkner and Tom Mulherin, the Reds forwards laid the foundations for victory with powerful performances with lock Flynn Taylor, hooker Mason Muscat and back rowers Seth Collins, Angus Barns, Theo James, Jude Fidler, Blake Battaia, Tayt Rowe, Connor Peno and back up hooker Zac Johnson turning in strong displays.

Elusive centres Harper Shields and Jaden Chimes posted the Reds’ two tries in the Grand Final.

Talented halves Darcy Cabassi and Matt Fenech provided slick service to a St Patrick’s backline loaded with talent and featuring top fullback prospect Nathan Simon, wingers Sonny Doring and Kooper Tomlinson and the versatile Kade Coburn.

David Casale’s St Patrick’s Blue and Blake Paskins’ St Patrick’s White sides also chalked up victories in the Pool fixtures.

Other schools to enter teams in the NRL Gala Trophy included Moranbah State High, Sarina State High, Mackay Northern Beaches State High, Pioneer State High, Mackay State High, Mirani State High and Mackay Christian College.

Contributed by Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Red standing L-R: Angus Barns, Jaden Chimes, Darcy Cabassi. Flynn Taylor, Nate Faulkner, Tom Mulherin, Connor Peno, Kade Coburn, Zac Johnson, Blake Battaia, Matt Fenech, Matthew Paul (coach), Harper Shields; front Tayt Rowe, Mason Muscat, Kooper Tomlinson, Sonny Doring, Theo James, Jude Fidler, Seth Collins and Nathan Simon

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Sarina Bowls Club celebrated and remembered all the fallen soldiers on Anzac Day. After a minute’s silence, 64 bowlers all in great spirit enjoyed an afternoon of two games of bowls, good music, many laughs and afternoon tea.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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The winning team was from left Brian Adams, Greg Hughes, sponsor Les Smith, Ken Blinco and Andrew Adams with the Anzac shield

Tom Flanagan and Bill Roots in the Anzac spirit at Sarina Bowls Club. Photo credit: Rita Hughes

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Four Mackay Cutters have been named in the Queensland Maroons squad ahead of the opening game of the women’s State of Origin series in Sydney.

Emma Manzelmann, Shannon Mato, Romy Teitzel, and China Polata have all been named in the extended squad after leading the Cutters to the BMD Premiership semi-finals in the club’s debut season in the competition.

“We’ve picked in-form players on the back of a really strong BMD Premiership competition,” Maroons head coach Tahnee Norris said.

"This year’s competition has gone from strength to strength and we’ve seen a number of players force their way into the squad following consistent performances over the past few months.”

The Maroons will enter camp on Friday, May 26 to prepare for the opening game of the State of Origin series at CommBank Stadium on Thursday, June 1.

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3/5/23: Wednesday Social games winners are Gloria Sam, Wendy McGee and Marie Duck. Runners up are Carmel O’Lauchlan, Donna Gordon and Lidia McCarthy.

10/5/23: Wednesday Social games winners are Shirley Bartolo, Jean Schmidtke, Anne Smith and Joyce Camilleri. Runners up are Betty Mulhall, Helen Goldston, Pat O’Neill and Daphne Offield.

17/5/23: We celebrated our 75 anniversary with our PAH at Gooseponds Sport and Recreation Club. With players from all of our district clubs invited to this special event.

18/5/23: We commenced Ladies District Pennant games, good luck to all players who are playing in Division 1,2,3 and 4 this year.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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Mackay Cutters first grade team may be searching for its first victory in the Hostplus Cup this season, but the club’s heavy investment in youth is reaping dividends.

After four rounds, the all-conquering Cutters share top spot in the Hastings Deering Under 21 Colts competition and shape as an early contender for this year’s title.

The Mackay colts chalked up their third win of the 2023 series after toppling the Burleigh Bears 22-14 in blustery conditions at BB Print Stadium last Saturday to maintain their unbeaten record.

The Bears drew first blood after three minutes when winger Jeremiah Tamepo crossed before Mackay five eighth Henri Stocks and hooker Ethan Roberts posted tries in the space of eight minutes with goalkicker Stocks adding the extras for a 12-4 lead at the break.

Mackay extended their lead after the interval when interchange William Gething crashed over for his team’s third try of the afternoon.

Burleigh responded with tries by second rower Adam Christensen and a second for flyer Tamepo to bridge the gap before the Cutters sealed victory when winger Braydon Dunbar skirted the defence to nab a crucial late try.

Despite the Colts loss, the Bears capped a memorable day with the club clinching an historic seventh BMD Womens premiership and the first grade team roaring to the top of the Hostplus Cup table after trouncing the Cutters 42-6 in the main game.

Burleigh had too many big guns for the Cutters, producing a five-try second half blitz to grab the outright competition lead.

The Cutters matched the visitors for the opening 30 minutes until Bears skipper Sami Sauiluma scored the first of his two tries.

The Bears led 16-6 at the interval but punished the Cutters after the break with their powerful forwards strolling through tackles to lay on tries for Matthew Koellner, Jacob Alick,  Ken Maumalo, Tom Steadman and Sauiluma.

Mackay square off with Redcliffe this Saturday in a curtain raiser to the Dolphins v Melbourne Storm NRL clash at Suncorp Stadium from 5pm.

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Mackay Cutters Colts continue to impress. Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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Fast Facts

Full name: Corben John Becker

Club: Mackay Brothers Under 20s/Mackay Cutters Hastings Deering Colts

Height: 181cm

Date of birth: 14/07/2004 (18 years)

Birthplace: Mackay

Position: Halfback/Fullback

Nickname: Corbs

Favourite NRL Clubs: Brisbane Broncos, Melbourne Storm, North Queensland Cowboys

Favourite Player: Johnathan Thurston

Occupation: Apprentice electrician

When Corben Becker received a call from a former coach late last year, he was ecstatic to receive the news.

It was a coach he’d played for at Walkerston Wanderers, who also assistant coaches the Hastings Deering Colts Mackay Cutters, giving him the call up to join the squad.

Corben has been training with the Mackay Cutters Under 21s squad and played one trial game, working hard to ensure a debut.

“I’m just taking it all in,” Corben said.

“I’m the younger half of the team so I’ve just been training and getting more experience for the years to come.”

Corben’s rugby league journey started at just five years old when he joined Brothers Junior Rugby League Club.

His family relocated to the Sunshine Coast where he continued to develop his skills at Gympie Devils and Noosa Pirates before returning to Mackay and Brothers.

Finishing his junior career at Wanderers, Corben returned to Brothers to play U20s before joining the Cutters system.

The dynamic and fleet-footed backrower is honoured to be a part of the team, taking every opportunity to learn from those around him.

“Everyone just helps you out; the culture here’s amazing,” he said.

“Your teammates are always boosting you up and you’re always trying to work yourself up to be as good as or better than the other people in your position.

“I’m just trying to play my best footy, not let my team down and play for my family.”

As a local who is following his rugby league dreams in his hometown, Corben’s advice to other young players is to keep learning.

“Always ask questions,” he said.

“Make sure you take in what the coaches tell you and put in 100% effort at training.”

Looking forward to his Colts debut, Corben is excitedly watching his team start their 2023 season with an undefeated run after three rounds.

“We haven’t lost yet,” he said.

“We’ve just got to keep up the grind and make sure we play more than a half of football.”

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Thrills and Spills at Queensland Mud Trials

The annual Queensland Mud Trials held in Sarina thrilled audiences once again, with competitors travelling across Queensland, as far west as Mount Isa, and New South Wales, as far south as Boomi, to participate.

It was truly a grudge match, with New South Wales versing Queensland in the matches, tensions running high, and audiences eager for the smoke of engines working.

Separated into five categories – Junior, Standard, Buggy, Bombs, and Top Gun – the competitors took the track of mud, spraying the audience, and testing their vehicles’ engines.

In one case, Junior competitor Eli Thomsett’s car erupted into smoke and fire on the last lap of his first heat.

His car, Backchat, has since been repaired, but Eli is already working towards the 2024 competition, where his sister, Millie, will join him with her car Mudicorn.

“It was a really successful day,” said Nell Thomsett, in charge of Sarina Mud Trials communications and Eli’s mum.

“We support Variety, and this year we donated $6,000 to Variety.

“We also support the local Scouts, who came in and collected all the cans from the event for their fundraising and had the Mackay Girls Basketball team on the gates.”

The Sarina Mud team also sold commemorative 35-year anniversary memorabilia, celebrating the massive milestone.

And everyone gets involves.

“The parents start racing, then the kids start,” said Nell.

“I would start but next year I’ll have two kids racing, and we can’t tow a third car!”

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Engines tested, and expectations exceeded, the 2023 Queensland Mud Trials was a massive success. Photos by Nell

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The Pioneer Valley played host to the Corry Cycles ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge on Saturday May 6, attracting over 100 adventure-seekers from across the country.

The ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge celebrates the life of former Mackay Christian College student Zach Roberts, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident at the age of 18 and has become a beloved tradition in the Mackay community since its inception in 2013.

The challenge features four stages of intense adventure activity, including a 40km MTB, 10km kayak, 10km trail run and 30km road cycle.

Angus Wicks and Sam Palmer stole the show who, both aged 16, competed in their first full Challenge, taking out the Junior Pairs category.

The duo had been working their way up to this moment for many years, starting with the MINI MACH Adventure Challenge and setting their sights on the full ZACH MACH.

"We're incredibly proud of Angus and Sam's achievement," said Event Director Nikki Giles.

"It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to complete ZACH MACH, and for them to do it at such a young age is truly impressive."

Angus and Sam's determination and teamwork was on display, crossing the finish line with a time of 5 hours and 51 minutes.

"We're so happy to have completed the ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge and to have won our category," said Angus.

"It's been a goal of ours for a long time, and it feels amazing to finally achieve it."

"We've been training for this moment for a while, and we're grateful for the support of our families, friends and coaches who helped us get here. It's an incredible feeling to know that all our hard work has paid off," agreed Sam.

Women Solo Category Winners:

1st Bridie Ruff 4:46:21

2nd Bec Wood 5:23:40

3rd Kelly Chappell 5:55:45

Men Solo Category Winners:

1st Mitch Nissen 4:11:33

2nd Kurt Brunker 4:47:14

3rd Allan Jefferson 4:50:22

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L-R Angus and Sam on the podium

L-R Angus and Sam during the MTB course

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson opening this year’s Corry Cycles ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge. Photos supplied

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results May 9, 2023:

Division 1:

Ferrari (Andrew McHugh, Robbie Richards, Lee Brake) d Mercedes (Mark Sleeman, Geoff Denman, Daniel Warfield) 9-2. Andrew d Geoff -6, 6, -9, 10, 7.

BMW (Emma Widdup, Ian McKay, Ivan Perkins) d Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan) 6-5. Barry d Ivan 2, -5, 6, -12, 6.

Lexus (Graham Brake, Mark Poplawski, Allan Edwards) d Audi (Mick Ruhl, Janice Kent, Duncan Treloar) 7-4. Allan d Janice -7, -5, 5, 7, 8.

Division 2:

Isuzu (Andrea Nicholson, Donna Abbott, Simon Hogan) d Mazda (Rymer Tabulo, Peter Goodson, Lily Boland) 6-5. Rymer d Donna -7, -10, 5, 7, 5.

Nissan (Graeme Walker, Will VanDeKaa, Matthew West) d Honda (Ishan Rana, George Camilleri, Mark Stam) 9-2. Will d George -7, 8, -8, 8, 11.

Division 3:

Hyuandi (Ollie Hamelink, Duncan Sheridan, Noreen Fredericksen) d Kia (Aarnav Reelh, Virginia Clayton, Craig VanDeKaa) 10-1. Aarnav d Ollie 11, -11, -9, 3, 9.

Holden (Tiffany Camilleri, Trent Day, John McGee) d Ford (Alok Rana, Steve Crocker, Val Austin) 9-2. Trent d Steve -6, -9, 7, 10, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures May 9, 2023:

Division 1:

Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) d Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) 9-3. Charlie d Peter 9, -5, -5, 9, 8.

Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) d Blue (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) 7-5. Branko d George 5, -5, -8, 8, 6.

Division 2:

Orange (Helen Ware, Gloria Vella) d White (Marie Taylor, Kim Daffy) 7-3. Helen d Marie 9, 5, -8, -9, 9.

Purple (Iris Grasso, Ken Best, Judi Hicks) d Pink (Robyn Bushell, John Hamelink, Fred Saliba) 8-4. John d Ken 6, 5, -9, -7, 8.

Division 3:

Grey (Sharon Muller, Ian Dodds, Allison Day) d Tan (Thelma Caruana, Madge Saunders, Trish Zamparuti) 9-3. Madge d Sharon -9, 6, 8, -9, 7.

Aqua (Pam Keune, Robyn Giles) d Lime (Frank Caruana, Glenda Brookes, Carmel Cristaldi) 7-5. Robyn d Frank -6, -7, 13, 9, 10.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Aarnav Reelh is among juniors in action in Tuesday night table tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Eight of Mackay’s best young cricketers have been drafted into the Brisbane Premier League’s prestigious Junior Twenty20 competition.

Exciting prospects Haiden Mellifont, Liam Zurvas, Nick Beardmore, Cameron Tomerini, Connor Muller and Jack Law will line up for the Northern Kings franchise at the three-day tournament to be staged during the school holidays from September 18-21 in Brisbane.

They will be joined by Magpies young guns Myles Cochrane, who will line up for the Kings in the Under 16s division and Jacob Whitby, who was drafted by the Kings for the Under 14s competition.

Mellifont is a prolific run scorer at the top of the order for the Pioneer Valley Cricket Club in the Mackay Cricket Association; 16 year old Zurvas is a talented leg-spinning all rounder with first grade champions Mackay Magpies and talented quartet of leg spinner Beardmore, off spinner Tomerini, Muller and emerging 14 year old all rounder Law are products of the Brothers Cricket Club.

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Of Inaugural Great Barrier Reef Rays

Former Australian Test cricket captain Tim Paine will lead new franchise the Great Barrier Reef Rays in this year’s Brisbane Premier League 100 Ball competition.

The international keeper, who announced his retirement from first class cricket at the conclusion of Tasmania’s final Sheffield Shield match of the season, was snapped up by the Rays at the recent BPL player auction.

Paine will skipper the inaugural Rays outfit – based in Mackay – during the intense three day competition from August 11 to August 13 in Brisbane.

With a combined 70 Test matches and one day internationals under his belt, Paine’s appearance in the team is an incredible opportunity for regional players to learn and develop their skills from one of the legends of Australian Cricket.

Paine, who played 154 first class matches, will be joined by Melbourne Stars hot shot batsman Nick Larkin, who has linked with the Rays as an inter-state recruit.

Great Barrier Reef Rays joined the competition with the aim of providing more opportunities and access to development for regional players from Central and North Queensland.

Promising 20-year-old Mackay Magpies off spinner Isaac Borg and Northern Suburbs all rounder Lane Kohler were named in the Rays’ 14-man Senior squad.

Great Barrier Reef Rays full team list: Tim Paine (captain); Nick Larkin; Angus Lovell; Blake Maher; Sam Lowry;  Liam Smith; Mitch Doolan; Noah McFadyen; Raveesh Srivastava;  Lane Kohler; Sam Yabsly; Lachlan Holmes; Reece Neyland  and Isaac Borg.

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Monday 8 May 2023 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild

3rd Geoff / Cowan / Sandy Patterson

4th Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

5th Susan Ross / Nancy Wix

6th Geoff Taylor / Frances Brown

Tuesday Evening 9 May 2023

5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan

2nd Diane Cox / Janice Mansfield

3rd Eric Leivesley / Janelle Conroy

4th Geoff Cowan / Terrence Sheedy

Thursday Evening 11 May 2023

6 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2nd Diane Stokes / Ann Whitmore

3rd Mick King /Patricia Garner

4th Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

5th Annie Lynch / Geoff Taylor

Wednesday 10 May 2023 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Sandra Morris / Jan Harris

2nd Antonia Tarradas / Ian Cruickshank

3rd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

4th Joy Brunette / Don Poole

5th Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell

E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

2nd Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

3rd Annette Howe / Geoff Taylor

4th Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson

5th Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

Friday 12 May 2023 –8 Table Mitchell - Green Points

N/S

1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

2nd Julie O’Neill / Monica Darley

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Simon Barnes

4th Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild

E/W

1st Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

2nd Geoff Cowan / Gwen Liddell

3rd Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood

4th Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson

Saturday 13 May 2023 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore

2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Geoff Taylor

3rd Faith Hutchinson / Simon Barnes

4th Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

5th Marie McGuire / Joyce Deguara

E/W

1st Ken Seaniger / Joy Robertson

2nd Patricia Garner / Laura Howland

3rd Geoffrey Patterson / Frances Brown

4th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

Sunday 14 May 2023

1st Joy Block / Ian Cruickshank

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Marilyn Wilson-Nichols

3rd Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell

4th Faith Hutchinson / Simon Barnes

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In Crucial NBL1 North Basketball Fixtures

Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes hope to exact revenge when they host the Darwin Salties in NBL1 North action this Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

Still smarting from road trip losses to Cairns and Darwin last weekend, both Mackay franchises are eager to turn the tables on the Salties after disappointing results in the Northern Territory.

Since winning their opening five matches, Joel Khalu’s Meteors have stumbled to four consecutive defeats.

Cairns guard Ky Stattmann spearheaded the Marlins to an upset 96-89 triumph over the Meteors at Early Settler Stadium last Friday night.

Stattman bagged 30 points and eight rebounds in a top display as the home side kept the visitors at bay in a tight contest.

Mackay was best served by champion guard Isaac White, who posted 35 pts, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in a classy performance with support from guard Tyler Williams (18pts, seven boards, three assists, two steals) and forward Shane Temara (13pts and three rebounds).

Darwin Salties eclipsed the Meteors 102-88 with talented guard Jerron Jamerson contributing to the victory with 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.

The Salties jumped to a 30-14 lead after the opening quarter and led 60-36 at the half time break and maintained the pressure.

White shone for the Meteors with 31 points, six rebounds and two assists; centre DJ Baptiste notched 20 points and 12 boards and Williams (12pts, six rebounds, two assists and two steals).

Unbeaten Darwin Salties made it seven consecutive wins after sinking the Meteorettes 82-56.

Spearheaded by guard Erin Bollmann (32pts, nine rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks) the Salties led all the way in a dominant performance.

Davida Dale top scored for Mackay with 17pts, five rebounds and four steals with support from Brittany Reeves (14pts and 13 boards), Charli Bliss (8pts and four rebounds) and Courtney Virgo (6pts, five steals and four rebounds).

The previous night the Meteorettes suffered an 86-64 loss to the Dolphins, who snapped a three game losing streak with ace guard Sheneice Swain (21 pts, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks) leading the way.

Mackay got value from the flamboyant Dale (14pts, 8 rebounds, three assists and two steals), Reeves (14pts and six boards) and Bliss (8pts and nine rebounds).

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The annual Mackay Athletics Club Track and Field Carnival attracts competitors of all ages and all classes from across Queensland, including Olympians and world ranking competitors.

The event took place over the May long weekend and included the likes of Olympic long jumper Henry Frayne, Australia and Oceania long jumper Henry Smith, and world champions in javelin throw Howard McDonald and Neil Janse.

Within the weekend, Mackay locals were a force to be reckoned with, breaking various records for the carnival.

Local records brokens:

Women 100 Metre Under 18 Years – Mikayla Webb – 12.61

Men 200 Metre 13 Years – Ethan Woods – 25.84

Men 200 Metre Under 20 Years – Ngakau Ufton – 23.83

Men 200 Metre Open – Damon Brown – 23.34

Men 45-46 200 Metre 30-49 Years – Chris Carney – 27.92

Girls 1500 Metre 11 Years – Ayla Moon – 5.22.83

Girls 300 Metre 12 Years – Alleah Fallon – 12.06.98

Men 3000 Metre Under 18 Years – Toby Rule – 9.20.07

Boys 1500 Metre Race Walk 12 Years – Dante Brown – 10.54.69

Boys 60 Metre Hurdles 9 Years – Jack Goddard – 11.93

Boys 200 Metre Hurdles 12 Years – Noah Porter – 38.75

Men 2000 Metre Steeplecase Under 18 Years – Toby Rule – 6.36.84

Men 3000 Metre Steeplecase Under 20 – Oliver Rule – 11.08.64

Boys Long Jump 12 Years – Justice Simpson – 4.65m

Men Long Jump Open – Damon Brown – 6.63m

Boys High Jump 10 Years – Elias Boatman – 1.25m

Girls Shot Put 2kg 10 Years – Vogue Miles – 7.77m

Men Shot Put 5kg Under 18 Years – James Galea – 45.07m

Men Hammer 5kg Under 18 Years – James Galea – 41.51m

Men Throw Pent Under 18 Years – James Galea – 3211

M70 60 Metre – Daniel Conroy – 10.73

W40 800 Metre – Mel Esau – 2.50.38

M45 800 Metre – Justin Rule – 2.23.99

W40 1500 Metre – Mel Esau – 6.00.30

M45 5000 Metre – Justin Rule – 18.35.70

W40 80 Short Hurdles – Madeline Simmons – 15.60

M45 3000 Metre Steeplecase – Justin Rule – 12.09.12

M35 Long Jump – Benjamin Ross – 5.26m

M70 Triple Jump – Daniel Conroy – 6.42m

M55 Discuss – Kevin Galea – 31.54m

M80 Javelin – Anthony Galea – 13.01m

W40 Throws Pent – Cathryn Hoare – 1770

W45 Throws Pent – Tammy Meyer - 1517

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Competition from across Queensland, with many records broken

One of the biggest events on the Mackay Cycling Club calendar, the annual Mackay Open was held over the May long weekend.

With about 40 competitors in total, the two-day event attracted competitors from Newcastle, Rockhampton, Emerald, Sunshine Coast, and one from Townsville.

“We were low on numbers this year, due to the long weekend,” said Luke Schatkowski, coordinator of the event.

2023 saw the introduction of a new classification of racing, called General Classification, which incorporates all individual racers’ times into one time, to better understand how the racer stands against competition.

“It’s in the interest of racers to finish as close as possible to the next person,” said Luke.

The three other races include the Open Race, the Rogers Family Shield, and the Individual Timed Trial, with four grades of competitors.

Luke said the 2023 event saw massive support from local businesses and organisations, including Caneland Central, ATOM, Smart State Rentals, Crane Hire Mackay, CMR Recycling, and Valenhold.

“I think we’ve got a full committee, with all eight positions full, that is able to branch out into the community.”

Results

A Grade:

1 Kyle Marwood

2 Cooper Sayers

3 Lawson Wotley

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B Grade:

1 Wade Mitchel

2 Luke Schatkowski

3 Douglas Bennett

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C Grade:

1 Hamish Wright

2 Tenille Galea

3 Mark Sheather

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D Grade:

1 Jason Lund

2 John Platts

3 Brendan Hoban

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2023 saw the introduction of Junior competitions

2023 Mackay Cycling Opens saw competition from NSW and QLD

The Rogers Family Shield has been fought since 1983, celebrating local legacy of cycling family of 12

Competition was fierce

Mackay Road Runners and Forsyth’s Accounting Services presented the 5th Annual Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield in honour of one of the Club’s most revered members.  Shawn passed away in 2018 from Pancreatic Cancer only six months after diagnosis. Well over eighty of Shawn’s family, friends, running mates and work buddies came together to support the event which raised much needed funds for Pancare (Pancreatic Cancer Research into treatment, care and support to sufferers and their families.)  Shawn’s sister and brother-in-law Sharon & Jeff Stewart-Harris as well as the Mackay Road Runners Club and major sponsor, Forsyths Accounting Services were the driving force behind the very successful event.  

Mackay Road Runners will donate the $10 race registration from sixty runners/walkers to Pancare plus funds raised from a number board raffle with prizes donated by Nanala Beauty, Harrup Park Country Club and Forsyth’s Accounting Services as well as the balance of Forsyth’s sponsorship funds and Mackay Road Runners Shawn’s Summer Social Series 2022/2023 donations which should see the donation balance in the vicinity of $1,500.

The 2023 Forsyths Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial Shield 10km champions are Tahnie Malagueno (personal best time) and Oliver Rule who took out the joint perpetual trophy ahead of some great running with second placegetters Lily Leven and Toby Rule only seconds off the pace. In the 5km event, Alana Knesevic had an amazing race, with a fast finishing Abigail Sweeney settling for silver.  Darrin Pullen was in excellent form taking out the first male in the 5km Shawn Claydon Memorial Trophy.

This weekend’s Mackay Road Runners’ event will be on Saturday morning from Casu Jacks café at the Mackay Marina.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Shawn Claydon’s family supporting the Mackay Road Runners Forsyths Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield

Tahnie Malagueno and Oliver Rule are joint winners of the Forsyths Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield

Darrin Pullen (right) takes gold in the 5km Forsyths Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield. (Female winner Alana Knesevic absent)

Mackay Mayor Cr Greg Williamson officially welcomed and started the 5th Forsyth’s Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield/Club Championship event

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Gold Coast Rollers demonstrated their durability and class to register a double triumph over the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes in NBL1 North action last Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

Top performances by American import Catherine Reese and guards Ariana Moorer, Jasmine Hooper and Carla Drennan piloted the Rollers to an emphatic 110-75 victory over the Meteorettes in the early fixture.

Both sides were locked 20-all at the end of the first quarter before Gold Coast gained the upper hand to lead 50-41 at the half time interval and 82-52 at the end of the third break.

The Meteorettes were hampered by illness but received value from flamboyant guard Davida Dale, who top scored with 21 points, eight rebounds, six steals and assists; rising centre Charli Bliss (14 points and eight boards); promising guard Courtney Virgo (12 points, two rebounds and assists), forwards Nikita Van Wyk (10 points and three rebounds), Madison MacDonald (9 points and two rebounds) and Denesha Bobongie (9 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals).

Meanwhile, former Mackay basketball junior Todd Blanchfield enjoyed a successful return to his old stamping ground by helping the Rollers sink the Meteors 101-89 in the main game.

Blanchfield and fellow Gold Coast guards Jason Cadee and Tanner Krebs were instrumental in the victory, utilising their vast NBL experience to inflict a second consecutive loss on the home side.

It was a fourth successive win for the reigning champion Rollers, who trailed 28-22 at the end of the first quarter before rediscovering their mojo in a gripping tussle.

Mackay superstar guard Isaac White kept his side in the hunt with 35 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals with support from clever guard Tyler Williams (22 points, seven rebounds and four assists), forward Shane Temara (16 points, five boards and two assists) and guard Samson Haughton (10 points, two rebounds and four assists).

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Meteors guard Isaac White. Photo credit: Kieron Place Art & Photography

Wynnum-Manly Seagulls and Burleigh Bears will feature in the BMD Womens rugby league championship trophy decider after posting epic semi final victories at Davies Park Brisbane last Sunday.

The Seagulls edged out the previously undefeated Souths Logan Magpies 30-28 in the morning clash before the Bears sent Mackay Cutters tumbling out of premiership calculations with a nail-biting 22-18 triumph.

An impressive Burleigh staved off a determined Mackay challenge to book a berth in the decider.

The Bears dominated the opening stanza and opened up a commanding 22-4 lead at the interval following tries to Sienna Laing, Sophie Buller, Shaianne McGlone and Riley Jorgernson.

Elusive winger Katie Green scored the lone try for Mackay, who paid dearly for defensive lapses.

But in a tantalising twist, Marco Peters’ gallant Cutters outfit produced a stunning second half revival – keeping their rivals scoreless but to no avail.

Talented centre China Polata, interchange Vanique Malayta and second rower Romy Teitzel crossed for the Cutters to set up an enthralling finish.

Finishing with four tries each, goal kicking proved the difference with Mackay managing just a single conversion.

Northern Pride edged out Mackay 16-12 in an absorbing Hostplus Cup tussle last Saturday at Barlow Park Cairns.

It was the Cutters’ eighth loss from as many fixtures as the Pride came from behind to post their fourth win of the season.

After conceding an early try to prop Jayman Moore, the Cutters found their groove with centres Blake Paskins and Josh Smith and back rower Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano all nabbing four pointers as Mackay led 12-6 at lemons.

Pride hooker Chris Oswald fooled the defence to score after 46 minutes with Will Partridge adding the extras to level the scores at 12-all.

Second rower Ewan Moore proved the match winner for Pride when he burst through tackles to grab his side’s third try with four minutes left on the clock.

MACKAY recorded their second victory in the Hastings Deering Colts competition after toppling Pride 32-28 in the curtain raiser.

The Cutters led 28-0 at the break after Henri Stocks, Tyrese Parter, Ethan Roberts, Levi Love and Kobe Bone notched tries with Stocks booting four goals. Toby Strecker posted the Cutters sixth try after the interval after a Pride revival.

Mackay host the second placed Burleigh Bears this Saturday in Hostplus Cup action at BB Print Stadium at 3pm with Colts fixture at 12.45pm.

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Mackay Cutters have thrown down the gauntlet to BMD Womens Rugby League premiership pacesetters Souths Logan Magpies after a classic top-of-the-table clash in Townsville last weekend.

A last gasp try by centre Sera Koroi helped the undefeated Magpies snatch a 28-26 victory and open up a four point cushion on the competition ladder.

It was a cruel twist for the spirited Cutters who led 26-24 after talented winger Alicia Martin had crossed for a vital try with nine minutes remaining.

Just as Mackay looked set to inflict the first loss on Souths Logan this season, the strong running Koroi broke their hearts by bursting through to nab her second four pointer inside the final 60 seconds of play.

Led by enforcer prop Frieda Sue and Jillaroo forwards Brittany Breayley-Nati and Stephanie Hancock, the competition leaders justified their number one ranking.

Earlier the elusive Martin opened the scoring when she dashed over for her first try after six minutes with back rower Romy Teitzel potting the extras.

Strong running second rower Tyesha Mikaio responded for the Magpies with a 13th minute try before Teitzel extended the Cutters lead to eight points after grabbing her team’s second try with a powerful surge.

Souths Logan winger Kalisi Longopoa crossed nine minutes later as Mackay went to the break with a 12-8 advantage.

Three quick tries after the interval by talented fullback Evania Pelite, second rower Jasmine Fogavini and match winner Koroi turned the match for the Magpies.

They jumped to a 24-12 lead before the Cutters hit back in style with five eighth Alisha Foord, winger Lauren Moss and Martin all notching crucial tries to set up a thrilling finale.

Meanwhile, the Hunters recorded a hard fought 18-10 victory over Mackay Cutters in their Hostplus Cup fixture last Saturday at PNG Stadium in Port Moresby.

Hunters fullback Morea Morea and centre Benji Kot nabbed early tries to set up a 10-0 lead before quick stepping number four Josh Smith posted Mackay’s lone first half try after 27 minutes with Brandon Finnegan adding the conversion.

Back rower Julius Yakopa crashed over for the Hunters third try soon after to give the home side a 14-6 lead at the interval.

Dashing winger Flynn Camilleri kept the visitors in the hunt when he sliced through to score after 53 minutes before centre Rodrick Tai sealed victory for the Hunters with a determined late try.

Michael Comerford’s winless Cutters meet ninth placed Northern Pride this Saturday at Barlow Park Cairns at 5.30pm.

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Accomplished Mackay Magpies cricketer Adam Zurvas is reaping the dividends of a golden summer.

The 23 year old premiership winner is basking in the success of a memorable 2022-2023 campaign in the Mackay Cricket Association after chalking up a long list of meritorious achievements.

All rounder Adam scooped the pool at the Association’s recent Senior Awards Night at Harrup Park – picking up a swag of trophies to cap his finest season in the top grade.

The stylish batsman claimed three major honours when he took out Mackay Cricket’s A Grade Player of the Year award and Batting Aggregate and Average trophies for his 776 runs across all formats at 52.60.

Zurvas is only the third Magpies player to receive the prestigious Player of the Year award – replicating the deeds of former Australian Test paceman Ross Duncan and life member Dale Fortescue.

It certainly was a season to savour for the former St Patrick’s College Mackay student who described the honours as “the proudest moment of my life.”

“Taking the field each week with my brothers Ben and Liam and close mates was an absolute joy,” reflected Adam, who achieved his maiden A Grade century at the start of the season.

“Our recipe for success was simple – just go out and enjoy your cricket and appreciate your teammate’s contributions” he said.

Boasting a top score of 120 not out against Pioneer Valley, Adam was at his prolific best throughout the summer with a string of half centuries and chimed in with 17 wickets as a seam bowler.

But the classy run-maker nearly sat out the season and was coaxed into playing by leg-spinning team mate Finlay Wilson.

“Finlay convinced me to play after I seriously considered having another break from the game,” revealed Adam, who made limited appearances for the Magpies while completing his Civil Engineering degree at Townsville’s James Cook University – including a Twenty20 Shootout triumph.

Younger brother Ben, 20, is one of the competition’s best young keeper batsmen and finest leaders while 16 year old Liam is a batting all rounder on the rise.

Proudest couple at the Awards Night were Adam’s parents Brad and Julie – two of Magpies Cricket’s greatest stalwarts.

“Dad is my role model and coach and batting inspiration – I can’t thank him enough” said Adam.

Other major trophy winners for the Magpies were Ethan Morris (Mackay Second Grade Player of Year); John Magann (Mackay Second Grade Twenty20 Player of Year) and Brendan Whitby (Mackay Third Grade Player of Year & Batting Award).

By Chris Karas

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Mackay Cricketer of the Year Adam Zurvas displays his impressive trophy haul for season 2022-23

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Based in Brisbane, Circa, is a visionary contemporary acrobatic and circus show, that tests the limits of human movement and powerful performance.

On by Circa is the newest performance to the company’s repertoire, illuminating the haunting tale of a chance encounter, a single touch, an impossible connection, with eight strangers.

Set in the backdrop of an apartment block’s courtyard, the audience is swayed through the performance, following love, loss, and enchanting beauty.

Since 2004, Circa has established itself as a global leader in circus performing arts.

Circa performances have been hosted all over the globe, in over 40 different countries, to over 1.5 million people, with a many sell-out shows.

Productions offer a range of performances, including large scale opera, extreme choreographic sights, and intimate instrumentals.

A creation of Yaron Lifschitz, On by Circa speaks to natural circus artistry, with accompaniments from composition from Melbourne’s Jethro Woodward and lighting design from Paul Jackson.

In a bare performance, the extreme skill of acrobatics is put on full display, the performers becoming art themselves, establishing a striking intimacy that leave audiences feeling that they, alone, experienced the show.

“On by Circa explores the gift of weight that lies at the heart of acrobatics. The simple act of giving and accepting another’s mass is transformed into a profound mediation about beauty, loss, and trust,” Yaron Lifschitz said.

WHAT: On By Circa

WHERE: Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre

WHEN: Wednesday May 31, from 6.30pm

TICKETS: themecc.com.au

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Experience the acrobatic show of the year

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Deserved NBL1 North Triumph Over Pirates

FLAMBOYANT forward Denesha Bobongie stole the show as Mackay Meteorettes returned to the winners list in the NBL1 North Conference with an emphatic 71-55 victory South West Metro Pirates at Mackay Basketball Stadium last Saturday night.

Back on home boards after a tough triple-header road trip, the young Meteorettes found their rhythm and groove with Bobongie producing yet another masterclass performance.

Fresh off a three game winning streak, the Pirates had no answer to the Mackay magician who registered 18 points, 15 rebounds and four assists to propel the Meteorettes to a second win in six games.

The Pirates led 19-13 in the first quarter before the Mackay women rolled into action to lead 35-32 at the half time break and sealed victory with a 21-8 points blitz in the final period.

Other Meteorettes players to impress were import guard Davida Dale, who contributed 18 points, seven steals, six rebounds and four assists and forwards Madison MacDonald (11 points, two boards and two steals) and Ellie Collins (6 points, eight rebounds and two assists).

The Pirates were best served by forward Leah Scott (20pts, nine rebounds, two assists); guard Lulu Twidale (14pts, two rebounds and one assist) and forward Hannah Young (11pts, 14 rebounds, three assists and two steals).

South West Metro Pirates stunned the previously undefeated Meteors in the Mens fixture with a shock 97-87 victory over the competition leaders.

Led by dynamic forward Lamar Patterson (26pts, six rebounds, eight assists and four steals), the Pirates showed tenacity and skill to end

Mackay’s five match winning streak with a spirited triumph.

Patterson was the trump card as the Pirates led at all breaks and defended stoutly to stave off a late Meteors challenge.

He was supported by centre Ben Volkman (17pts, ten rebounds) and guard Kai Woodfall (16 points, two rebounds and three assists).

Star Mackay guards Isaac White (32 pts, four rebounds and assists and two steals) and Tyler Williams (20pts, six rebounds, four assists, three steals) led by example with strong performances.

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Photo credit: Kieron Place Art & Photography

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One of Australia’s most iconic sporting series is back, the Ashes, and you can join Star FM’s Scott van der Linden alongside four of Queensland’s greatest ever cricketers for the big day at Harrup Park in June.

Ian Healy, Michael Kasprowicz, Andy Bichel, and Wade Seccombe will spend the evening celebrating the history of the Ashes, sharing their thoughts on this year’s series on the eve of the first test match.

At 6.00pm, aired live from the Lancaster Rooms, guests will receive a two-course dinner, beer, wine, and soft drink while enjoying the company of these cricketers on Friday, June 16.

The panel includes cricket icon Ian Healy, who played 119 test’s and 168 One Day Internationals for Australia and is now beloved commentator for many years and he current sits on the Board of QLD cricket.  

He’s joined by Michael Kasprowicz – still the leading wicket taker ever to play for QLD.

Backing up Michael is Andy Bichel, one of the state’s greatest ever fast bowlers with 19 tests and 67 one day internationals to his name. He is currently the assistant coach of the QLD Bulls and Brisbane Heat.

And the final member, Wade Seccombe is one of Queensland’s best wicketkeepers and batsmen. He is currently the Coach of the QLD Bulls and Brisbane Heat.

Limited tickets (which include a two-course dinner, beer, wine, and soft drink) are available now - you won't want to miss it! Book today at http://bit.ly/3ZsMdUt

What: It’s The Ashes with Heals, Kaspa, Andy, & Wade

When: Friday, June 16, from 6.00pm to 10.00pm

Where: Harrup Park - Lancaster Rooms

Tickets: $170 per ticket or $1600 for a table of 10

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Three local athletes from NQ Altitude Pole Vaulters Squad qualified for Australian Athletics Nationals recently held in Brisbane.

Kasey McMahon, Senior Cairns athlete currently attending CQU Mackay and current member of Mackay Athletics Club, qualified for Open Nationals from her winning performance at ANQ Championships in Townsville.

Junior Athletes Kayce Hoani-Vincent (Mackay Athletics) and Liana Harrington (North Mackay Athletics) both qualified from winning Queensland Athletics State Championships in March which saw both girls take home gold becoming Queensland State Champions 2023, Kayce for U17s Girls and Liana U14s Girls.

Kayce, aged 16 years, continued competition with a season and personal best height 2.80m to secure 3rd place podium finish for U17s Girls.

Liana, aged 12 years performed just below her season and personal best of 2.10m to place equal 3rd, podium finish U14s Girls.

As the south season ends the north Queensland season begins, with all three athletes now focusing on training for upcoming competition in Townsville the Festival of Athletics in June and NQ Championships which will be hosted in Mackay in September.

NQ Altitude Pole Vaulters Squad trains at the Mackay ARC on Wednesday afternoons from 4pm to 5.30pm.

Any interested athletes are welcome to come to the track and check us out.

Contributed by Kirsti Hoani

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Kayce Hoani-Vincent, Kasey McMahon, Liana Harrington with Pole Vault Coach Paul Hallett

Kayce Hoani-Vincent

Liana Harrington. Photos supplied

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Whilst the majority of runners participating in the annual and very popular Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon, perfect running conditions greeted the local social Mackay event, although, it didn’t take runners long to raise a sweat, despite the cooler temperatures.  

The Mackay Road Runners held a very social 5km, 10km Bluewater Quay event where the course took runners out towards the Mackay Harbour for the 10km and 5km runners turning around at the BP Moss Marine Service Station.  

Excellent efforts came from Grant Holmstrom, Rod Elworthy, John Couldrey, Andrew Short, Simon Henderson, Ollie Gorrion, Shane Barben, Craig Andrews, Robinson Stinson, Stuart Sprott, Jan Smith, Toni Enright, Bernadine McKinnon, Andrew Wallace, Lauren Connor, Tia Gorrie, Leanne Connor, Kim Saron, Tahnie Malagueno, Carolyn Mapes and Stacey Robertson.  

Sensational running in the 10km by Abigail Sweeney who backed up well after taking gold in the 4km at the Mackay Athletics Carnival on Friday.  

Mackay Road Runners junior club member, Lily Leven was 2nd overall in the 4km but first in her age.

Excellent efforts also from Toby Rule who scored first in the 6km ahead of Luke Leven 3rd and Jared Mackie 4th.  

This Sunday’s 5th annual Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield incorporates the long standing Mackay Road Runners Forsyths Accounting Services 10km Club Championship to be held at 7am sharp from the Queen’s park carpark entrance, Shakespeare Street.

There is a 5km distance available and non members are most welcome to attend, however, only club members are eligible for the 10km Shield in honour of former champion club member, club treasurer and life member, Shawn Claydon who pass away five years ago on 30th August from Pancreatic Cancer.  

Entry fee will be $10 for the 5km and 10km with all proceeds donated by Mackay Road Runners to Pancare to assist in research and assistance for sufferers and their families.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Approximately forty runners enjoyed a very social 5k and 10km run from the Bluewater Quay precincts

L-R Carolyn Mapes, Tahnie Malagueno and Andrew Short tackle the 10km course from the Bluewater Quay

Carmel Mahon and Andrew Wallace set a great pace in the 10km event. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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Last Saturday, we welcomed 32 teams of lady bowlers from all over our district and beyond as far as Ayre and Bowen. Ladies President Lidia McCarthy welcomed everyone to the club for this inaugural event. After a very scrumptious morning tea, the ladies hit the rinks for the first of 3 X 16 end games. Lunch was a gastronomic event thanks to the Goosies Sport and Recreation Club, manager Ian Morris and his wonderful staff, returning to the rinks for the next two games and finishing around 4.30.

After all the results were calculated, the very excited winners were: Lorna Bowers and Lois Deguara from North Mackay club and Joyce Bloomfield from St Helen’s club. A very close second went to Fay Duncan’s team from Wangaratta club. 3rd place went to Doris Monroe’s team from Wests club. 4th place was a draw between Kathy Mathew’s and Betty Nicole’s teams.

Congratulation to all our winners and of course all the players. Many thanks to our sponsors for this event Minestaff, Gardian and Phillips Mortgage Choice Mackay. Hopefully this will be an annual event for our club. Many thanks to each and every one who helped to make this event the success that it was. Thanks to event sponsors Clint Zahmel and Ben Phillips for attending today and experiencing the talent we have in our district.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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North Mackay won the inaugural ladies event

Wangaratta placed second

Wests finished in third. Photos supplied: Sue Hazledine

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Last weekend saw the running of Prestige Fours at Mackay Bowling Club played over two days of the Long Weekend. All teams played on Saturday with the four top teams playing off on Sunday to see who will be in final. All other teams were divided into Divisions 2 and 3.

The final saw Bruce Bridges team of Doug Wotton, Grant Edmonds, Les Rodgers take on Wayne Hanley team of Cooper Whitestyles, Clint Vassie, Jason McMillan with Wayne Hanley team coming out winners for the carnival.

Division 2 Winners: Ash Warland team of Harry Quade, Shane Spann, Gavin Miline.

Division 3 Winners: Col Crocker team of Mick Coll, Ben Crocker, Joe Crucker.

A great weekend of Bowls was witnessed, and many friends made.

Anzac weekend Day Bowls was started with Brian Cuttriss saying the ode and a minute silence. A full green with thirty-Six players competing.

Winners of Winners: Arthur Naylor, Fuddy, Kees Struik.

Winners of Losers: Denise Mezzen, Peter Taaffe.

Scrounger on Thursday: Carol Savage def Gary Vogler.

This weekend, club competition returns before Pennant resume on May 13.

Ladies 2 Bowl Triples Carnival Monday May 8.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Cooper Whitestyles , Clint Vassie, Wayne Hanley and Jason McMillan. Photo credit: Mike Irving

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Another Easter Celebration has come and gone but not for our Mackay Pickleballers; we celebrate every time we take the court. Such is the joy of playing this new code of sport for everyone.

How did Pickleball find its way to Mackay, you may well ask. From humble beginnings in 2018, by a small group of good friends, who discovered it being played on a southern holiday, had a go, and were immediately hooked. We thank you, Anne and Monica, for your insight, teachings and bringing this crazy, fun new code of sport to Mackay.

Pickleball is a “racquet and ball” sport with a perfect balance of court dimensions, rules, and equipment to afford all skill levels and age groups enjoyment and success on court.

The game is a combination of tactical shots, patience, and easy to learn strokes, which encourage an inclusive play environment with no need for modifications or adaptations to cater for gender, ability, or age differences. Pickleball is both fun and challenging with a combination of long rallies and a blend of soft and rapid-fire shots; where the best athlete must earn their points not purely by athleticism, power, and speed, but also through the use of positioning, patience, tactics, and touch.

Finally, pickleball provides connections, social, mental, and physical well-being benefits, which are just some of the reasons players are passionately embracing this sport at such a rapid rate.

Indoor Pickleball at PCYC Mackay is welcoming, accessible, and safe; while striving to be equitable, diverse and inclusive. It is guaranteed once you pick up that “Paddle” and hit the “wiffle” ball it will be difficult not to keep going. We have all you need to get started.

You can catch us for a low cost of $7 for two hours every Tuesday; 5:30pm – 7:30pm; Thursday; 12:00pm – 2:00pm; Sunday; 09:00am – 11:00am.

Contributed by Michelle Sheehan

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Mackay Pickleball Easter celebrations. Photos supplied: Michelle Sheehan

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If you love the adrenaline of motor racing and the purr of a well-maintained two stroke engine, Mackay and District Kart Club have the event for you.

The club is preparing for one of their three big events of 2023, with the Sugar City Titles happening on Saturday, May 6 at their track in Palmyra.

“This is one of our biggest events for the year,” said Matt Smith, who currently fills the roles of Junior Vice President and Groundskeeper at the club.

At least 80 competitors from across north Queensland are expected to participate, some as young as six.

Racers will rev it out on the purpose-built concrete track, located at 21 Grants Road, Palmyra, with cane knives on the line as prizes.

Entry for spectators is free, with food, drinks, and plenty of action on offer on the day.

Mackay and District Kart Club is a not-for-profit club looking to spread the word about the exciting world of karting.

“We’re a family orientated club,” said Matt.

“We often get parents helping on race days.

“It’s good camaraderie – if someone breaks something, other people get in and help or lend their spares.”

To find out more about the club, the Sugar City Titles or to nominate, visit mackaykartclub.com or find Mackay and District Kart Club on Facebook.

The event is sponsored by Mr Energy, J&B Pest Control, Mills Painting, Global Mining Support, Red Hot Couriers, Easy Internet Services, TECS Equipment Repairs, Global Mining Support, Global Mining Support, Dicko's Engineering and M&P Services.

WHAT: Mackay and District Kart Club Sugar City Titles

WHEN: Saturday, May 6

WHERE: 21 Grants Road, Palmyra

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Photo credit: Daniel McLean Photography

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Mackay’s own Cyclones swim team have been making waves, at the Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast earlier this month.

The Australian Age Championships is one of the biggest events on the Swimming Australia calendar, with thousands of swimmers travelling to the Gold Coast to compete.

This 14-day event is a highlight on the Australian Swimming calendar, attracting some of Australia’s most elite Olympic and Paralympic swimmers, with young athletes who will become the next generation of swimming stars.

Being the highest level of competition domestically for athletes ages 18 years or under, the competition was engaging, each swimmer eager to perform to the best of their ability.

The Mackay swim team has a successful history of attending the Australian Age Championships, and 2023 is no different.

The Mackay swim team had six swimmers qualify for the competition, four of which had never attended a championship before, and were accompanied with their coach, Leigh-Anne Pokarier.

Izabella Wills and Mackenzie Neilsen attended the championships in 2022, with the National Team, and were joined for the 2023 competition with Vaughn Wyatt, Max Vernon, Audrey Bryan and Anneka O’Donnell, being newcomers to the mix.

Izabella competed first in a series of multi-class (MC) events.

Day one of the competition ended poorly, with Izabella’s 100 freestyle being delayed 30-minutes due to bad weather and lightening, however, she broke her previous personal best, with a 6.94 time, and taking 5th place.

Izabella also competed in the MC 400 freestyle, taking 32.05 seconds off her previous personal best and placing 4th overall.

In her final race, Izabella competed in the 50 freestyle, breaking her previous personal best and raking 7th place in Australia.

Second time National attendee, Mackenzie competed in the 14-year girls age group, for 50 butterfly, 100 butterfly and 200 butterfly.

She swam well and placed 7th overall in 200 butterfly and scrapped 3.50 seconds off her personal best time.

Mackenzie also qualified for the finals in 100 butterfly and placed 19th in Australia overall.

Newcomer Audrey qualified for three events, the 50 breaststroke, 50 butterfly and 50 freestyle in the 13-year old girl’s class, and gaining two personal bests.

2023 was also Anneka’s first experience of the championships. She competed in 50 breaststroke and 50 backstroke and is excited to compete in 2024.

The boys, Max and Vaughan, swam well. Max competed in the 50 backstroke, and Vaughan in the 100 breaststroke and 200 breaststroke.

Vaughan was successful in moving into the finals for 200 breaststroke and ranking 26th overall in Australia.

In a fierce competition, these swimmers performed excellently, with most new to the age championship competition and atmosphere.

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The Mackay Cyclones take yet another team of accomplished youth swimmers to the Australian Age Championships. Photo supplied

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Racing around the speedway at over 100km/h, Brett Hehir hopes to leave his mark on Australian wingless sprint car racing this weekend.

A fiend for the speedway, Brett made the transition from go karting to wingless racing around two years ago when a friend introduced it to him, giving him the “speedway bug”.

Two years and countless races later, Brett is competing in his first Australian Wingless Sprint Championship at the Archerfield Speedway this weekend where he hopes to prove himself amongst the best in the country.

“Hopefully we have a good weekend, finish all our races and finish up the front,” Brett said.

“It’s going to be a lot of competition and a big ask to get to the final.”

The Australian Titles got underway yesterday, Thursday, April 27, with a practise day followed by scrutineering and Calcutta on Friday, heats Saturday and Sunday being the main race day.

Brett will be competing against over 70 other drivers from all over the country, but he’s come prepared; just four weeks earlier, Brett was part of the Easter Trail, including Queensland State Titles in Maryborough, where he placed 12th in the state, a race in Archerfield to prepare for the big dance and a race in Toowoomba.

He also won the Wingless class of “Thunder in Canefields” in Mareeba last year, setting the track lap record.

Brett loves the competitive nature of the race.

“It’s pretty close racing and everyone’s pretty much got the same car,” he said.

“It comes down to your car setup and your driving ability, because everyone’s engines are the same,” added his wife, Nicole.

“It’s probably a cheaper way to get into the speedway if you wanted to get into it,” said Brett.

Not one to overprepare, Brett said he’s nervous but excited for the big race this weekend.

“I just rock up and have a go,” he said.

“But there’s a lot of work on the car to get it right.

“If you do 99% of it in the shed at home, when you get to the track you can just relax.”

As the season comes to an end, Brett’s future races will depend on his work roster, but after ticking Australian Titles off the list, his wingless sprint car journey will be far from over.

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Brett Hehir is competing in his first Australian Wingless Sprint Championship in Archerfield this weekend. Photo supplied: Nicole Hehir

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Rodeo Cowboys Ranks With Major US Bull Riding Win

MACKAY native Ky Hamilton has registered the biggest win of his professional bull riding career after picking up $67,750 for claiming the prestigious RodeoHouston Bull Riding title in the United States.

The 23-year-old Hamilton – who grew up in the Sugar capital and attended Mercy College – capped an impressive performance with a 90.5-point ride on his bull Bad Memory in a special ride-off with Josh Frost and Creek Young to seal the top prize.

It was a double celebration for Ky with the Houston triumph rocketing him to the number one ranking in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association – a position he last held during his rookie year in 2020.

The teak-tough Hamilton delivered one of the best rides of his career in front of a boisterous crowd of nearly 75,000 in his second attempt at the major Rodeo in Texas.

“It is a huge event and one of the biggest paying rodeos we get to go to, so to win it is very special,” a proud Hamilton told Mackay and Whitsunday Life.

“I think the bigger the stage the more comfortable I feel. I don’t know why that is. Growing up that’s all I ever wanted to do, was ride a big event and win big events and win world titles.”

The Rodeo Houston win follows Ky’s superb victory this year at the La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros in Tucson, Arizona for a second time.

“Bad Memory was kind of steep and kind of moving forward, trying to get me back,” said Ky of his winning ride.

“Out of nowhere, her just started pushing back.”

Hamilton dominated throughout the rodeo by winning the Go-Round in all six performances he was entered in. It started with a clean sweep of his Super Series before he went onto clinch Semi Final 2 as well as both rounds on Championship Sunday.

Ky finished RodeoHouston 6-for7 with an average score of 87.3 points inside NRG Stadium.

The top 15 money earners qualify for the National Finals Rodeo with Hamilton finishing fourth, 8th and fourth in the past three finals held in Las Vegas.

A courageous Ky has certainly come a long way since moving to the United States on a Bull Riding scholarship back in 2018 and turning professional two years later, finishing fourth in the Bull Riding world standings in 2022.

This season Hamilton has amassed $101,842 in prizemoney and leads Josh Frost, who finished runner up in Houston, by about $12,000.

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Top ranked professional bull rider Ky Hamilton demonstrates his winning ride on Bad Memory scoring 90.5 at the RodeoHouston

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Wednesday 20/4/23 winners were Sue Roscoe, Pam Louis, Donna Gordon.

Runners up in a pairs game were Sue Hazledine and Daphne Offield.

Currently we are playing in our Championship Singles and B Singles both of which are very close to the finals. Our Goosepond Ladies 3 Bowl Triples was held at the club on Wednesday the 26/4 with teams from all around the district attending. Thanks to the many clubs who are participating in this exciting event, and good luck to all.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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The Ladies section travelled to Northern Beaches last Tuesday for the Symons Shield and were just pipped by Sarina Club in the Semi-Final. No Tuesday Social at the Club due to rainy weather. Thursday Scroungers was played with 15 players with Whare Herewini def Karina Dunn in the final.

A weekend of Men’s Pennants was played with home and away games with wins to all our teams.

Saturday Division 2 v Marian away

Aggregate score Mackay 66 to Marians 37. Result 5 points to 1.

Division 4 v City at Home

Aggregate score Mackay 40 to City 41. Results 0.5 to 4.5.

Division 6 v Sarina

Mackay 48 to Sarina 36 Resuts 6 points to 0

Sunday Division 2 v Wests Tigers at Home

Aggregate Score Mackay 94 Wests Tigers 42 Results 6 points to 0

Division 4: v Seaforth away

Aggregate Score Mackay 46 to Seaforth 25 Results 5 POINTS TO 0

Division 6 at Home

Aggregate Score 48 to RSL 31 Results 4 points to 1.

This Weekend sees the playing of the Prestige Fours with 16 Teams competing over two days.

Come on down to the club and watch some exciting bowling from members all over the district.

Friday Social Day from 1pm. The ladies are hosting and inviting all members and visitors to join them in social Bowls.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Mackay & Wests pennants Div 2

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Table After Triple Road Triumphs

Champion Mackay Meteors point guard Isaac White has secured a two year deal with the Brisbane Bullets for NBL24.

The prolific points-scoring maestro – who has lit up the NBL1 North Conference with superb performances on court in the early rounds – is a major gain for the Bullets who finished ninth and failed to qualify for the 2022-23 NBL Finals.

White was at his mercurial best during the Mackay team’s arduous triple header road trip last week – steering the undefeated Meteors to impressive wins over Brisbane Capitals (96-90), Northside Wizards (93-78) and Southern Districts Spartans (100-90) and top of the standings after five rounds.

The high energy guard posted 36 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals against the Capitals last Friday night with support from Tyler Williams (22pts, five rebounds, four assists and two steals) and Christian Maran (10pts, five boards, five assists and three steals).

White backed it up with classy performances against the Wizards (26pts, eight rebounds, three assists and steals) and Spartans (40pts, eight rebounds and assists and one steal) over the weekend as the all-conquering Meteors zoomed into top spot.

Dynamic guard Williams capped three solid games with 17pts, five boards, four steals and two assists against the Wizards and 18pts, five rebounds, three assists and five steals against the Spartans.

Other Meteors to shine were forward Shane Temara (17pts, eight rebounds and three assists) and guard Isaiah Lee (16pts, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals).

Meanwhile, the Mackay Meteorettes struggled to produce their best in a gruelling schedule - crashing to 37 point losses to the Capitals (92-55) and Wizards (99-62) and Spartans (76-63).

Talented forward Ellie Collins turned in consistent performances with 10pts and two assists against the Capitals; 16pts, five rebounds and three steals against the Wizards and 15pts, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal against the Spartans with support from centre Charli Bliss and guards Phoebe Holmes and Davida Dale.

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Last weekend, the Pioneer Swimming Club held its season-ender Presentation Night at Goosies Sport & Recreation Club. A phenomenal number of members and their families attended to celebrate their achievements the past season.

There were too many awards to name but highlights of the night were:

1. Overall Highest Points was awarded to Annaliese Miles – this award is provided to the member who obtains the most accumulative points over the season at our weekly Club Nights (points are received for attendance but also for the largest personal bests each week).

2. President’s Award was awarded to Joleigh Strydom – this award was bestowed on Joleigh because she displays kindness and respect towards others; is a great role model in the squad; tries her best and shows good sportsmanship; encourages others and takes on advice and feedback with a positive attitude and smile on her face.

3. Outstanding Swimmer for the Season was awarded to Jade Bounden – Jade received this award acknowledging her qualification for and attendance at Nationals, medalling twice at State level competitions and for her outstanding performance throughout the season.

4. Coach’s Awards were given to the swimmers who displayed great commitment to the sport, made outstanding performances throughout the season, received State medals and/ or qualified for National level competitions. Coach Igor presented these awards to Alex Moss, Madison Malagueno, Ella Bounden and Jade Bounden.

5. Encouragement awards were also given to Abigail Mawire, Joleigh Strydom and Zahli Herring.  

Congratulations to all our swimmers!

We could not have held this event without the help of our fantastic sponsors such as Greenman Property Services who assisted financially for the function costs; Spotlight who provided all the decorations for the evening – the room looked amazing; and Bonny Cakes who went above and beyond in making a stunning and delicious cake and cupcakes. We thank each of you immensely for your generous support!

Contributed by Pioneer Swimming Club

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Coaches' Award presented to Jade Bouden, Madison Malagueno, Alex Moss and Ella Bounden

Highest Points Intermediate Boys presented to Jackson Birch, Henry Porter & Elliott Shillington

Our juniors Maxim Demin and Rex Traeger ready to present Coach Igor his gift from the club

Party time. Photos supplied by Pioneer Swimming Club

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Continue For Mackay In Hostplus Cup

Norths Devils rugby league coach Dave Elliott had reason to smile after a successful homecoming to Mackay last weekend in the QRL Hostplus Cup.

It was a pleasant “reunion” for Elliott as he masterminded a thumping 42-16 victory against his out of touch ex-charges who slumped to a sixth successive loss.

The reigning premiers produced a second half points spree as they overpowered the listless Cutters through their powerful and dominant forward pack.

Elliott was Head Coach of Mackay last season, his capable assistant Michael Comerford taking over the Cutters’ coaching reins and enduring a horror start to the 2023 campaign without a win after six rounds.

The Cutters jumped to an early 8-0 lead following neat tries by sharp utility back Flynn Camilleri before Devils hooker Zakaria McGuire fooled the defence to score after 24 minutes.

An Adam Cook penalty goal soon after gave Mackay a 10-6 advantage – but it was shortlived with Norths wingers Tony Tumusa and Jonathon Reuben crossing for converted tries to give the visitors an 18-10 lead at the break.

There was no stopping the Devils after the interval as lock forward Liam Horne, Cook Islands international Moses Noovao-McGreal, prop Viko Puluvea and former Indigenous All Stars hooker Kieran Moseley all nabbed tries within 23 minutes with half back Bryce Donovan potting six goals to establish a resounding victory.

Meanwhile, the Mackay Cutters chalked up their fifth win of the season in the BMD Womens premiership after slamming Norths Devils 28-6 to maintain second spot on the ladder.

The Cutters were in a menacing mood in the first half as they put on a five try blitz to open up a commanding 22-0 lead at the half time break.

Elusive winger Katie Green (2), centre China Polata and halves Alicia Martin and Tahlulah Tillett all grabbed tries with hooker and skipper Emma Manzelmann landing one conversion.

The crafty Manzelmann scored the Cutters lone try of the second half to keep the pressure on premiership pacesetters Souths Logan Magpies, who remain undefeated on 12 points.

Mackay Colts opened their Under 21s campaign with a crushing 50-32 victory over Norths Devils in the curtain raiser.

The young Cutters produced a superb second half display to skittle the Devils with a nine try rout in blustery conditions.

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Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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Monday 17 April 2023 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia

2nd Marilin Robins / Margaret Jennings

3rd Barbara Tait / Margaret Lane

4th Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes

1st Terrence Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd David Ting / Ming Ting

3rd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

3rd Debbie Ludkin / Sandy Patterson

Tuesday Evening 18 April 2023 - 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Lorna Shuttlewood /

2nd Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan

5th Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

2nd Mick Robins / Diane Cox

4th Janine Rodgers / Nancy Wix

Wednesday 19 April Unders and Overs – 9 Table Green Points

N/S

1st Louise Renton / Anne Lutz

2nd Janice Mansfield / Barbara Tait

3rd Elrae Trueman / Terrence Sheedy

4th Diane Stokes / Nancy Wix

E/W

1st Joy Brunette / Joy Block

2nd Monica Darley / Ian Gaskell

3rd David Ting / Sandra Morris

4th Josie Cowley / Vicki Howard

Friday 14 April 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Pts

N/S

1st Noel Bugeia / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Vic Mason / Josie Cowley

3rd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

4th Noel Saunders / Mary Cruickshank

E/W

1st Ming Ting / David / Ting

2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th Diane Stokes / Marie McGuire

Saturday 15 April 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Pts

N/S

1st Monica Darley/ Kath Poole

2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Geoff Taylor

3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

4th Antonia Tarradas / Faye Wright

5th Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell

E/W

1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright

3rd Mick King / Jan Harris

4th Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Saunders

5th Margaret Lane / Julie O’Neill

Contributed by Joy Block

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Young Guns Cain And Doyle

Schoolboy basketball prodigies Max Cain and Amarco Doyle aim to swap their text books for NBL1 North Championship medals when they saddle up with the Mackay Meteors this season.

The 17 year old whiz kids are entrenched in Joel Khalu’s high flying Meteors team that have opened the 2023 NBL1 North Basketball League in style with impressive victories over the Rockhampton Rockets, Townsville Heat, Brisbane Capitals, Northside Wizards and Southern Districts Spartans in recent weeks.

Both St Patrick’s College Mackay Year 12 students are two of the most promising basketballers in the League with bright futures ahead of them.

Mackay Meteorettes Head Coach Jamiey Doevendans – who co-ordinates the St Patrick’s College basketball program – believes the duo have stepped up a class this season and are both destined for bigger things.

“We have two absolute gems in Max and Amarco and I know that Joel is monitoring their development closely,” revealed Doevendans.

“They are both outstanding prospects and have made a seamless transition into the Meteors top grade lineup with mature performances on court.”

Cain, a talented shooting guard in his third season with the club, is one out of the box.

At the tender age of 16, he was blooded in the Meteors’ Class of 2021 that captured the NBL1 North Championship title with an impressive 2-0 series victory over Cairns Marlins in the final.

Last year the former North Mackay Magic junior product carried that experience into a stand out tournament for the Under 18 Queensland North representative team that competed at the Basketball Australia National Championships on the Gold Coast.

“Max has the ability to create opportunities with the ball in hand when in offense mode and leads by his actions on court,” said Doevendans.

“He is a versatile player that can shoot the ball in pressure situations and a strong defender.”

Doyle, a Queensland South representative, was a dominant figure at last year’s State Under 18 Championships – leading the North Gold Coast Seahawks from a winless regular season to finish in the top four at the tournament.

“Amarco is a super athletic power forward in his second season with the Meteors that can shoot from long range, protect the rim and dunk with the best of them,” Doevendans added.

By Chris Karas

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Mackay Meteorettes Head Coach and St Patrick’s College Basketball Co-ordinator Jamiey Doevendans with four of his top pupils - Ben Devitt, Mackay Meteors young guns Max Cain and Amarco Doyle and Baxter Norsworthy

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Wednesday 12/3/2023: Social bowls played. Winners were: Sue Roscoe, Bev McDonald, Sheryl Cuttriss. Runners up were: Sue Hazledine, Lesley Baumgarten, Pat O’Neill. We also saw the semi-final of the Championship Triples played, with the winners to play on Thursday morning.

Thursday 13/3. Once again, spectators were shown an amazing game of bowls. Each end was so close and could have gone either way. But the eventual winners were Marie Bragg, Val DePinto and Dorothy (Nuggy) Pratt. Our valiant runners up were Lurline Ford, Maryann Bartolo and Dorothy Wise. Congratulations to our winners and to all players who played in each game.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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Photo supplied: Sue Hazledine

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Cutters Ten Try BMD Premiership Romp

Mackay Cutters are proving a force to be reckoned with in the 2023 Queensland Rugby League BMD Womens premiership.

Last Saturday at Brisbane’s Totally Workwear Stadium, Marco Peters’ talented charges again demonstrated their championship credentials by trouncing the Brisbane Tigers 48-4.

It was the Cutters’ fourth win of the season and after five rounds the team shares top spot on the ladder with the undefeated Souths Logan Magpies and Burleigh Bears on eight points.

Outstanding fullback Jasmine Peters and centre China Polata capped superb games for the Cutters by each grabbing doubles in the ten try rout.

There was no stopping the Mackay girls from the moment classy hooker and captain Emma Manzelmann fooled the Tigers defence to score the opening try after three minutes with Alisha Foord converting.

The Cutters jumped to a massive 26-0 lead at the break following further tries to centre Libby Surha, the elusive Peters and Polata, Tillett and winger Katie Green in a dominant first stanza.

Mackay had too many big guns for their Brisbane rivals and posted another four tries after the interval when Polata, Peters, Mato and prop Makenzie Weale all crossed during a 15 minute blitz.

Meanwhile, barnstorming Brisbane Tigers centre Solomona Faataape was best on ground in his side’s 24-16 triumph over the Cutters in the Hostplus Cup.

Faataape crashed over for his first try in the 6th minute after Mackay winger Kyle Krisanski-Kennedy had earlier stunned the hosts with a neat four pointer within 60 seconds from kick off.

The Tigers regained the lead when centre Marion Seve dashed over to score his team’s second try before Mackay hit back when rugged back rower Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano burst through tackles to score and bridge the deficit to four points.

But two blockbusting tries by Faataape in the space of three minutes turned the match for Brisbane as they skipped to a 24-10 lead with 12 minutes left on the clock.

The Cutters gave their supporters hope when hard working lock and skipper Sean Mullany registered the Cutters’ third try after 73 minutes, but all to no avail.

Mackay are still winless after five rounds and face a moment of truth this Saturday afternoon at BB Print Stadium when they host the Norths Devils.

Both clubs are languishing near the bottom of the table with the Devils now under the guidance of former Cutters coach Dave Elliott.

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Dynamic running is a common trait for talented Mackay rugby league siblings Kai and Nathan Simon.

Seventeen-year-old Kai – who is contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys - proved a sensation at centre for St Patrick’s College last year in his final season in the schoolboy ranks.

With his bustling runs, turn of speed, raw power and radar boot the goalkicking ace piloted St Patrick’s to the finals of the Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup schoolboy competitions and the Walkerston Wanderers to an Under 17 Mackay Junior League premiership.

The powerfully-built three quarter was rewarded with selection in the 2022 Confraternity Shield Merit Team and the Queensland Country junior representative side that rolled City 38-20 in the annual Under 17s Challenge at Redcliffe – booting seven goals for a personal tally of 14 points.

While promising Kai has shone for the Mackay Cutters in this year’s Under 19 Mal Meninga Cup series, kid brother Nathan has stamped his mark in the Mackay Schools Rugby League Combined Year 7/8 Division 2 competition.

The dashing 13-year-old fullback was instrumental in St Patrick’s Navy’s 24-12 Grand Final victory over neighbours Mackay State High in the recent trophy decider at the Mackay Junior League Fields.  

Nathan’s elusive running and smart support play against his old school was a feature of the premiership triumph and capped an outstanding series for the Wanderers’ custodian.

He turned in consistent performances for the premiers with more than 200 running metres in each game, punishing defence and ability to counter-attack from all parts of the field.

Simon was ably supported by classy five eighth and skipper Matt Fenech, sharp centre Sonny Doring, rampaging prop Nate Faulkner, industrious back rowers Tayte Rowe and Angus Barns and skilful lock Flynn Taylor.

Contributed by Chris Karas

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Standing L-R: Kian Steyn, Tayt Rowe, Fynn Shears, Nathan Collis, Harper Shields, Blake Battaia, Matthew Paul (coach), Flynn Taylor, Caleb Presbitero, Connor Peno, Zac Johnson, Theo James, Jaden Chimes, David Casale (League Safe); front Jordan Ramos, Karana Gartner, Nate Faulkner, Matt Fenech (captain), Sonny Doring, Nathan Simon, Angus Barns and Cooper Freiberg

St Patrick’s Navy premiership-winning captain Matt Fenech (left) displays the Mackay Schools Sport Year 7/8 Rugby League Division 2 trophy with centre Harper Shields, one of the College’s most outstanding all round athletes. Photos supplied

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The final of the Queensland Women’s Selection Trials was held in Brisbane on April 3. Four Mackay members travelled down for the competition that was held over two weekends. Well done to the ladies that were selected (pictured).

Mackay Contract Bridge Weekly Results

Monday 10 April 2023 - 5 Table One Winner, Green Pts

1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Eric Goodchild / David Ting

3rd Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor

4th Frances Brown / Alan Brown

5th Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

6th Marilin Robins / Margaret Jennings

Tuesday 11 April 2023 – 4 Table One Winner Green Pts

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

4th Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

5th Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

Wednesday 12 April 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Pts

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2nd Marie McGuire / Nancy Wix

3rd Joyce Deguara / Mary Cruickshank

4th Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Sandra Morris / Jan Harris

3rd David Ting / Ming Ting

4th Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

Thursday 13 April 2023 – 3 Table One Winner

1st Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

2nd Jan Harris / Sandy Patterson

3rd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

Friday 14 April 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Pts

N/S

1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

2nd Monica Darley / Del Ryan

3rd Ming Ting / David / Ting

4th Joyce Deguara / Toni Large

E/W

1st Noel Bugeia / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Susan Wright / Clare Wallace

2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

Saturday 15 April 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Pts

N/S

1st Geoff Taylor / Del Ryan

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

4th Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell

5th Monica Darley/ Kath Poole

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Annie Lynch / Anne Lutz

3rd Frances Brown / Alan Brown

5th Susan Ross / Sandy Paterson

Contributed by Joy Block

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Janet Hansen, Frances Brown, Diane Morgan & Maria Setiyawan

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On Wednesday March 15, the Harvest Triples were held at Marian Bowls.

There were 16 teams that played two games of 15 ends.

Most of the district was represented and a good time was had by all.

First: Marian - Doris Fry, Judith Miller and Lyn Jackson.

Second: Suburban - Ahondi Ray, Rhonda Meng and Florence Keft.

Third: Northern Beaches - Debbie Adams, Lynda Leyshon and Jill Hancock.

Contributed by Lyn Jackson

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Mackay Bowls Club Ladies’ Section had a successful Presidents at Home day on Friday April 14 with a full green of 48 players from various clubs around the Mackay district.

The games were played with good sportsmanship and much laughter was heard.

After the game, players were invited to have lunch.

President Hazel and her executive were joined by MDLBA President Lyn, Treasurer Pam, Selector Carmel along with Men's Section President John and Board representative Ryan, and then participated in raffles and cent sale.

The winners for the day were E Bartollo, F Lette, C Kirwin, and J Caban.

Lucky card was won by L Large, J Murray, R Hughes, and C Savage.

President Hazel thanked all members for their donations of prizes and help they provided to make the day a success.

Tuesday Social Play (19)

Winners of Winners

Leanne Jenner, Barry Jenner, Peter Taaffe.

Winners of Losers

Ted Gill, Whare Herewini, Barry Paskins, Alf Pagden.

Thursday Scroungers (23)

Joe Crocker def Hookey Wilson

There were no competitions played over weekend due to Pennants Starting.

Ladies Section travel to Northern Beaches on April 18 for Symons Shield Two Bowl Triples.

The weekend of April 28-29 is Mackay Club Prestige Fours with a full rink playing over the weekend with $8,000 in prizes shared among the top eight teams.

Pennant continues this weekend with games both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday: Division 2 away at Marian, Division 4 at Home, Division 6 away at Sarina.

Sunday: Division 2 Wests Tigers at Home, Division 4 away at Seaforth, Division 6 RSL at Home.

Good Bowling to all this weekend.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Presidents Lyn and Hazel. Photo supplied

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It’s a narrative not unlike that of the Jamaican bobsled team.

An athlete preparing for a sport that takes place in the north American winter, training in tropical heat with not a flake of snow in sight.

The Iditarod is the biggest sporting event in Alaska; an annual long-distance sled dog race across 1,500 kilometres, seeing teams race through blizzards, sub-zero temperatures and gale-force winds.

Mackay’s Christian Turner was an unlikely late entry in the 2023 race, but the circumstances around his entry meant gave him a very good chance for success.

At 18 years old and living in Sydney at the time, Mr Turner moved to Canada where a love for snowboarding transformed into a passion for snow dog sledding.

“I got interested in the racing side of things and did a bunch of races in Canada, and decided that I wanted to do the big, long-distance races in Alaska,” Mr Turner said.

He undertook the intense qualification process required to enter the Iditarod and entered his first “last great race” in 2014.

Finishing the course in 11 days and four hours and placing 38th, Mr Turner said the experience was cold and brutal.

But it only fuelled his love of the sport; returning in 2015, Mr Turner finished the race in a career best nine days and 16 hours, placing 15th.

It looked to be his last Iditarod until, eight years later, a unique opportunity presented itself when friend and three-time Iditarod champion, Mitch Seavey, injured his back and was unable to race.

“There’s only a couple of people in the world who are qualified and good to go so he got in contact with me and asked if I wanted to take his team,” Mr Turner said.

With the dogs already in Alaska, there was only so much training he could do in Mackay.

“As soon as I found out, I was hard into my cardio, running Mount Pleasant Hill and riding my bike about 10 kilometres every morning,” he said.

“A lot of the trail is snowy mountains where you’re helping the dogs up the hills, running beside the sled, kicking on the flats; the fitter you are, the easier it’s going to be for the dogs.”

Mr Turner then made the trip to Alaska, training with the dogs before embarking on his third Iditarod and his first in eight years, with a team that came with great expectations and unique challenges.

“Looking after the team is the biggest thing, because you’re out there in minus 40 and you’ve got to make sure they’re getting the right intake of food and make sure they’re wearing the right winter clothes,” he said.

“You’ve got to have a rapport with the dogs; them understanding you, understanding you’re the boss and knowing you’re not going to put them in a situation that they can’t handle.

“My team caught a virus about 500 miles in and basically, for the rest of the race, I was just trying to make it to the end.

“I went from sixth position back to 18th very quickly just because they weren’t eating.

“The race was over for me midway, so I was just trying to care for the dogs and make it to the end.”

Once the dogs were healthy again, Mr Turner persevered, clawing back to finish the race in 10 days and one hour, placing 13th.

“It was quite mentally draining knowing I had such a good team, and, without the virus, I think I would’ve been right up there,” he said.

Regardless of the result, Mr Turner said it was good to back in Alaska where the reception was glorious.

“At the start of the race, you’ve got thousands of people throughout the city having barbecues and cheering you on,” he said.

“It’s a big party, really.”

A builder in Mackay with a young family, Mr Turner said he has no real urge to recommit to the Iditarod but if a similar opportunity were to present itself, he wouldn’t be able to say no.

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Mackay builder Christian Turner finished 13th in the “last great race on earth”, the Iditarod, in Alaska in March. Photos supplied: Christian Turner

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After two successful seasons, the Century Cricket Competitions Brisbane Senior Tournament (formerly the Brisbane Premier League) is expanding throughout the state for its third iteration, welcoming the Mackay-based Great Barrier Reef Rays.

The Rays are one of two new teams to be added to the 2023 season, alongside the Eastern Comets Adelaide All Stars, with the tournament pitting 10 Senior teams against each other in two pools of five.

“Growth of the Brisbane competition was always on the Century Cricket roadmap, so it is very exciting for us to be expanding into regional Queensland,” said Stuart Giles, Chair of Century Cricket Group.

“We’ve always had a focus on showcasing regional talent in the competition, and by including a regional team such as the Rays, we get to see more of this than ever before.

“Century Cricket Brisbane 23 promises to be a fantastic season kick-off to a summer of cricket.”

Known as the best regional cricket ground in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef Arena will be the official Rays headquarters, with General Manager Adrian Young saying the Rays have strong aspirations to provide a pathway for regional cricketers from the North.

“We have high hopes and spirits even higher, and we’re eager to take our first steps towards making a mark in Century Cricket Competitions Brisbane,” he said.

“With determination, hard work, and unwavering community support, the boys from the Reef are ready to embark on an exciting journey towards becoming a fierce contender in the competition and are here to prove that talent from the north can compete with the best in Brisbane.”

Nominations to play in the Century Cricket Competitions Brisbane Senior Tournament are now open, closing on Friday, April 28, with the season to start in August.

For more information, visit brisbanepremierleague.com.

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Pioneer Dolphin, Ella Bounden, travelled to the Gold Coast this past week for the Australian Age Championships.

You will remember this budding star from a recent article.

Ella did her club proud swimming the 50m backstroke amongst the best of the best at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.  

Whilst she described her event as not going to plan, she still managed a personal best.

She loved the experience and looks forward to swimming at Nationals again next year.  

Congratulations Ella – you have inspired so many in your Club to reach for the stars!

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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A Mackay Christian College (MCC) student set a box jump record at City Fitness earlier in the year while completing school-based training sessions.

Standing at around 162cm, John Morano jumped 1.2m to set the record, a record that has since been matched albeit by much taller athletes than he.

13 students participated in the sessions across six weeks facilitated by Steve Eden of City Fitness Health Club.

“Students were measuring heart rates before and after training to see what effect training would have on that,” Mr Eden said.

“The classes we were doing were functional classes and one of those functional classes included box jumps and that’s when John set that magnificent height of 1.2m.

“He’d done a complete circuit as well, so he was already fatigued, and the athletic ability to be able to jump 1.2m is unreal, and at his height is just a huge athletic achievement.”

John, currently completing year 12, said he enjoyed the sessions as they pushed him to reach his goals.

“I had a goal to reach the rim of a basketball hoop,” John said.

“It was pretty good, just the feeling of it when you jump.”

MCC Sports Coordinator Sheril Buchanan said students looked at the components of fitness for the unit.

“They completed their first lot of tests and did the strength and conditioning unit and then they tested at the end of the unit to see if there were any improvements in those components of fitness,” she said.

“The box jump is a power component of fitness, so this is one where John improved.”

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John Morano (right) jumps with freakish ability, setting the box jumping record at Steve Eden’s (left) City Fitness. Photo supplied

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The North Queensland Cowboys have announced two star Mackay recruits in the lead up to their inaugural NRLW season.

After a strong start in the Mackay Cutters first BMD Premiership season, Emma Manzelmann was unveiled as the first signing for the Cowboys with Jasmine Peters being announced soon after.

Born and raised in Mackay, Manzelmann returns to North Queensland after a premiership winning NRLW campaign with the Newcastle Knights as an integral signing for Cowboys’ maiden season.

“Growing up, there was not much women’s footy,” Emma said.

“Then when Cowboys said they were putting in a team, it was a dream and now that dream’s becoming true.”

Cowboys Sign Mackay Talent Ahead Of First NRLW Season

The pathway between the Mackay Cutters BMD Premiership and North Queensland Cowboys NRLW squads has made itself apparent, with two players from the inaugural Cutters campaign signing with the North Queensland outfit ahead of their first season.

Emma Manzelmann began her football journey with the Walkerston Wanderers under 7s and by 2019 she was a member of the Queensland under 18s and the inaugural Cowboys Women’s Academy.

The current Cutters’ number 9 announced herself to the senior rugby league world with a stunning two try performance in the North Queensland Gold Stars’ first ever game in Round 1 of the 2020 BMD Premiership.

Emma returned to the Gold Stars for the 2021 season and was named Player of the Year after a sensational campaign, earning herself a contract with the Newcastle Knights for the delayed 2021 NRLW season.

Returning to the Gold Stars in 2022, the dynamic dummy half helped the team to premiership success before appearing in all seven 2022 matches for Newcastle in their march to grand final glory, Emma’s second premiership of the year.

Cowboys NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries said Emma was earmarked early in the recruiting process.

“Emma was always one of our main targets,” he said.

“She is an elite talent who is homegrown and came through our pathways system, which made her signature a priority.”

Fellow Mackay product and try scorer in the Gold Stars’ 2022 grand final victory Jasmine Peters also announced a three-year deal with the Cowboys on Monday.

Peters played her junior football for the Norths Mackay Devils before graduating to the Cowboys Women’s Academy and playing two NRLW seasons with the Gold Coast Titans.

“It’s hard to believe ‘Jaz’ is still just 20 when you consider she’s a three-time Indigenous All-Star, who also brings Queensland under 19s and NRLW experience,” Mr Jeffries said.

“Jasmine will be a prominent figure in our backline, with her powerful carries and I know she is determined to test herself against the best within the NRLW space as she pushes for higher honours.”

The Cowboys also announced the signing of Cairns’ Tahlulah Tillett, another member of the 2022 premiership winning Gold Stars squad, as they build towards their first campaign in the NRLW.

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Mackay’s Emma Manzelmann was the first person to sign with the North Queensland Cowboys ahead of their inaugural NRLW season. Photo supplied: North Queensland Cowboys

Mackay Cutters captain Emma Manzelmann and backrower Jasmine Peters have signed with the North Queensland Cowboys. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The competition was hot when Sarina Bowls Club hosted the men's only 2023 Wilma Plane Creek Mill Shield.

One hundred and twenty bowlers from 12 clubs competed, playing three games on a reasonably hot day.

Lots of good bowling and friendship resulted between the 120 men fighting it out to see which club could take home the shield.

Northern Beaches and Souths Suburban led a close finish, both teams ending on 17 points each.

Northern Beaches won on overall margin of 67 and Souths Suburban second with 60.

Wilmar is the major sponsor of the day, and many spectators enjoyed watching some very competitive bowls.

Contributed by Rita Hughes

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Northern Beaches Bowls Club's winning team was Back L-R Kees Struik, Pete Petersen, Greg Kasper, Stevie Mau, Brodie Johnson, Jason McMullin, Steve Boyce, Bruce Wilson. Front L-R Mark Glew, Paul Foot, and selector Trevor Kelly. Also playing were Ricky Dunn, Barry Brown, Chris Gee and Stu Larkins. Photo credit: Rita Hughes

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Prominent Mackay rugby league coach Pat Daly knows all about the importance of preparation for major sporting competitions or annual tournaments.

The respected mentor showed his value in the lead up to this year’s Confraternity Games Rugby League Championship in Brisbane by recently guiding St Patrick’s College Reds to a Mackay School Sports Division 2 Opens title.

A knowledgeable Daly – who is highly regarded at the Walkerston Wanderers JRLFC - demonstrated his coaching prowess by steering the emerging colts to a spirited 10-6 Grand Final victory over Sarina High School in the 2023 trophy decider at the Mackay & District Junior League Fields.  

The premiership triumph underlined the College’s depth of talent in the senior ranks with several of his charges pushing for spots in a star-studded top tier Open side, coached by former Italy World Cup international centre Ian Schifilliti, that is chasing honours in the Cutters Cup, Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup competitions.

As a schoolboy, Daly himself tasted success in various rugby league carnivals that included winning the 2000 Confraternity Shield trophy in Bundaberg with a St Patrick’s unit that featured the likes of future NRL stars Grant Rovelli and Brett Seymour.

The St Patrick’s Class of 2000 was captained by half back Rovelli – who was named Player of the Carnival after they defeated St Mary’s Toowoomba 26-16 in the Shield decider.

There was no shortage of class in the St Mary’s team with a skinny and naturally gifted playmaker in Jonathon Thurston - an all-time great in waiting – lining up at five eighth.

Just like his recent triumph with the Reds, the astute Daly and former teammates put in the hard yards in preparation for Confro and reaped the dividends.

Sarina High jumped to an early 6-0 lead in the Grand Final before wily hooker Hudson Clark weaved through defenders to score on the cusp of half time.

Power running forward Javin Ramsamy nabbed the match-winning try for St Patrick’s after the interval when he burst through tackles from 40 metres out with Clark converting.

In a mighty team effort, the Reds were best served by fullback Lane Maunder, elusive backs Tura Larry, Fletcher Russell, Bailey Caruana, skilful halves Brad Manera and Jack Aslette and industrious forwards Ramsamy, Clark, Reece Morris, Saxon Crofts, Pat Shanks, Leo Gupwell and Campbell Grisan-Hodges.

Daly also praised the efforts of his nephew Darcy Daly, who missed the title decider with a hand injury after turning in strong performances during the campaign.

The Reds dominated the series and lost only one match when forced to forfeit a fixture against St Patrick’s Navy Blue side due to a spate of injuries and Mackay Cutters representative commitments.

There were double celebrations on Grand Final Day when St Patrick’s Navy toppled Mackay State High 24-12 to capture the Division 2 Year 7-8s premiership.

Promising fullback Nathan Simon, centre Sonny Doring, five eighth Matt Fenech, prop Nate Faulkner, back rowers Tayte Rowe and Angus Barns and lock Flynn Taylor produced strong games for St Patrick’s in a rousing team effort.  

Contributed by Chris Karas

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Jubilant St Patrick’s College Red players celebrate their Mackay Schools Rugby League Division 2 Opens premiership after toppling Sarina High in the Grand Final at the Mackay Junior League Fields

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night finals March 28, 2023:

Division 1:

Tibhar (Mick Ruhl, Vince Boeske, Allan Edwards) d Donic (Graham Drury, Andrew McHugh, Barry Patterson) 6-5. Allan d Barry 6, 0, -9, -17, 12.

Division 2:

Yasaka (Ian McKay, Duncan Treloar, Peter Goodson, Lily Boland) d Andro (Janice Kent, Graeme Walker, Mark Sleeman, Will VanDeKaa) 9-5. Duncan d Graeme -3, -11, 11, 5, 15.

Division 3:

Nittaku (Steve Crocker, Jye Callander, Duncan Sheridan) d Gewo (Simon Hogan, Tiffany Camilleri) 6-5. Simon d Steve 7, -10, 5, -4, 9.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures March 28, 2023:

Division 1:

Cockatoos (Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Peter Goodson, Don Boettcher) d Doves (Michael Ibbotson, Pam Joyce, Kevin Abbott, Don Boettcher) 10-4. Tony d Michael -4, -11, 8, 8, 10.

Pelicans (Charlie Payne, Branko Vucurovic, John McGee, Veronica Shepherd) d Magpies (George Camilleri, Delma Knight) 11-3. Charlie/Branko d George/Delma -11, 7, -7, 7, 9.

Division 2:

Ibis (Iris Grasso, Louise Gould, Fred Saliba) d Kookaburras (John Hamelink, Ken Best, Kim Daffy) 7-5. John d Louise 7, -3, -9, 9, 8.

Owls (Kim Challender, Robyn Bushell, Helen Ware) d Parrots (Bryan Marshall, Judi Hicks, Marie Taylor)  7-5. Judi d Helen 9, 9, -4, -9, 9.

Division 3:

Eagles (Sharon Muller, Frank Caruana, Glenda Dutton) d Storks (Madge Saunders, Cheryl Pearson, Allison Day) 8-4. Frank d Madge 11, -9, 3, -12, 11.

Pigeons (Ian Dodds, Bill Hey, Myles Dutton) d Hawks (Gloria Vella, Thelma Caruana) 7-5. Myles d Thelma -8, 9, -11, 7, 6.

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Marie Taylor in action in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Mackay Road Runners and Zambrero Mackay joined forces for a very social Easter Sunday afternoon 5km/10km run.  

Thanks to Zambrero owner Peter Quinn, his family and his wonderful staff for providing random draw prizes, super lovely service and yummy refreshments post-race.  

Approximately fifty runners and supporters and the Easter Bunny enjoyed the slightly cooler conditions although the Bunny was mildly uncomfortable with the humidity.  

Excellent running came from Lauren Connor who ran her longest ever event.

Congratulations also go to Jo Skinner who has just today completed the Run Down Under Australia 2023 course, running 14,080 kilometres to complete her journey.  

Great to see the return of Mick Vivian, apparently working too hard, although he still ran very fast.

Superb running by junior runners Luke Leven and Lily Leven who tackled the 10km event in perfect form despite the high temperatures.

Anthea Ford made a welcome return to the local running scene whilst home for the Easter Break.

Many thanks once again to Zambrero and their wonderful team, Helen Leven for bringing the highly popular Zooper Doopers, Andrew Short for his course description and Arthur Dick for ensuring everyone got home safely.

This Sunday’s handicap points event commences from Tim’s residence at 16 Ocean Avenue, Slade Point.  

The Chariots of Fire 5k/10k run will include some challenging undulations, as well as a bit of cross country trail running, sandy and bitumen surfaces.  

All members are welcome as well as non member casual day runners.  

Please meet at Tim’s by 6.15am at the latest so that all runners can be checked in with the timekeeper before race briefing.  

Club Captain Jim Ford’s Wednesday weekly track training continues every week commencing from 5.30pm at the Aquatic and Recreational Centre (ARC) Ooralea.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Approximately fifty runners and the Easter Bunny thank Zambrero for their awesome hospitality on Easter Sunday

L-R Jo Hughes, Andrew Short, Carmel Mahon, Andrew Wallace and Julie Whibley loving the Zambrero atmosphere after their run. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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A big congratulations to Lauren Morgan, who has been chosen to play in the Queensland Youth Team. The Youth of the game are tomorrow’s champions and leaders. Well done from all at the Mackay Contract Bridge Club

Mackay Contract Bridge Weekly Results

Monday 3 April 2023 - 5 Table One Winner, Green Pts

1st Shirley Casey / Anne Lutz

2nd Nancy Martin / Monica Darley

3rd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

4th Joy Robinson / Thelma Caruana

5th Eric Goodchild / David Ting

Thursday 6 April 2023 – 4 Table One Winner Green Pts

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

4th Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

5th Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

Wednesday 5 April 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points Nation Wide Pairs Week 7 of 23

N/S

1st Sandra Morris / Jan Harris

2nd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

3rd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

E/W

1st Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders

Saturday 8 April 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Julie O/Neill / Margaret Lane

2nd Richard Wix / Patricia Garner

3rd Geoff Taylor / Joy Brunette

4th Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood

E/W

1st Marilin Robins / Mick Robins

2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3rd Frances Brown / Alan Brown

4th Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell

Contributed by Joy Sleep

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The weekend of March 30 to April 2, 2023 was historical for Mackay - the Masters Swimming Queensland State Championships was held at the Mackay Aquatic Centre. Our Dolphin, Kylie Smith, proudly swam in the newly formed Masters Team created under the Pioneer Swimming Club, the Pioneer Oldphins.

Kylie is swimming royalty for our club – having swam since she was seven, taking the odd break as a young adult, but returning when her own daughters were seeking a club to join. At the Championships, Kylie broke not one but two State records in the 50m Butterfly and 50m Backstroke events! She swam four events and brought home the gold in all. A fantastic feat and one the club is so happy to celebrate!

Kylie tells us her greatest swimming achievements were events like swimming at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games Trials but recently she has been swimming faster than she did in her early years. She attributes this to the choices she makes now with her nutrition and lifestyle but also to her coach, Igor - “Igor has a very effective way of getting the best out of me in a session,” Kylie said. “He has a great sense of humour which keeps training enjoyable plus he makes an effort to get to know his swimmers’ strengths and weaknesses.”

You can see why she loves her daughters being mentored by him also.

Kylie loved swimming for the Club’s Master’s Team, Oldphins, and looks forward to growing it next season.  She loves her club – she says, “A club is only as great as the families and members who make it possible. We have incredible families who are so generous in giving their time and dedication to making it a fun and friendly place to allow our swimmers all the opportunities possible to succeed in their sport!”

After smashing out her races over the weekend, Kylie then donned her apron and helped the Club barbeque for the remaining competitors. The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club kindly asked Pioneer Swimming Club to hold this fundraising BBQ – many of our swimmers and committee members attended to help out.

Kylie wears many hats in the Club – President, Assistant Coach, Swimmer and Mum to two strong swimmers. She is amazing beyond words and an inspiration to all!

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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Kylie Smith at Masters Swimming Championships

Kylie loves backstroke. Photo credit: TS Photography

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At Queensland Masters State Swimming Titles

North Mackay Sinkers claimed top ranking in Combined Teams Scores at the recent Masters Swimming Queensland State Long Course Championships at the Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Complex.

The Sinkers club posted 1366 points from both male and female division events to finish in first place ahead of University Queensland (1156).

In the Womens Team rankings the Sinkers grabbed top spot with 839 points from Noosa (515) while Miami club were first in the Mens Team standings with 635 points with the Sinkers fourth on 437.

The Masters Swimming Carnival proved a resounding success with 113 records broken during the three day event including 27 National, 82 Queensland and four Victorian.

Competitors from local clubs North Mackay Sinkers, Mackay Swim Academy and Pioneer Oldphins produced stand out swims to come away with a swag of medals.

Record breaking Kylie Smith,40, was the star swimmer for Pioneer Oldphins – claiming gold medal wins in the Womens 40-44yrs 100m Backstroke (1:15.76 sec); 50m Butterfly (30.10 Qld record); 50m Freestyle (28.66) and 50m Backstroke (32.64 Qld record).

She was supported by club mate Ben Miles,43, who shone in the 50m Butterfly (31.08); 100m Butterfly (1:15.00) and 200m Freestyle (2:20.34).

Mackay Swim Academy’s Andrew Gillespie dominated his 30-34yrs age group with superb swims across various disciplines.

Gillespie, 31, was successful in the Mens 400m Backstroke (5:00.00); 100m Backstroke (1:03.00); 800m Backstroke (10:40.00); 200m Backstroke (2:20.00); 50m Backstroke (29.25) and 50m Butterfly (28.23) as well as the triumphant Relay teams in the 120-159yrs 200m Medley and 200m Freestyle with club mates Jesse Eggins, Michael Rafter and Greg Born and Mixed 160-199yrs 200m Medley with Jesse and Jane Eggins and Linda Single.

Other MSA entrants to impress were Jane Eggins – gold in Womens 60-64yrs 100m Freestyle (1:19.94); 50m Butterfly (45.14) and 200-239yrs 200m Medley Relay with Rachel Bidgood, Linda Single and Candace Grady (2:45.31); silver 50m Freestyle and 400m Freestyle plus bronze 100m Backstroke; 200m Freestyle; 50m Backstroke and 200-239yrs 200m Freestyle Relay.

Jesse Eggins - gold in Mens 30-34yrs 50m Breaststroke (32.69); 100m Breaststroke (1:15.27) and Mixed 160-199yrs 200m Medley Relay; silver 50m Freestyle; 100m Freestyle; Mixed 160-199yrs 200m Freestyle Relay.

Greg Born – gold Mens 50-54yrs 400m Breaststroke (7:07.58); 1500m Backstroke (26:26.37); 120-159yrs 200m Freestyle Relay and 200m Medley Relay; silver 400m Freestyle; 800m Freestyle; 100m Breaststroke; 100m Butterfly and bronze 200m Freestyle.

Michael Rafter – silver 200m Backstroke; Mixed 160-169yrs 200m Freestyle Relay; bronze 50m Breaststroke; 50m Backstroke;

50m Butterfly; 100m Freestyle; 400m Backstroke and Linda Single – gold 40-44yrs 200m Freestyle.

North Mackay Sinkers paraded quality swimmers in Naomi McGilvray – gold 40-44yrs 50m Breaststroke (43.81); 200m IM (3:01.27); 100m Butterfly (1:26.72); silver 200m Breaststroke; 800m Freestyle; 200m Freestyle;100m Freestyle; bronze Mixed 160-199 800m Freestyle Relay with Megan Taylor, Nigel Dalton, Timothy Caris; Lola Fisher – gold 50-54yrs 100m Backstroke (2:13.28); 200m Backstroke; 800m Backstroke; silver 50m Backstroke; 400m Backstroke; 200m IM; 400m Breaststroke; bronze 50m Butterfly; 400m IM; Jaime Patten – silver 35-39yrs 1500m Freestyle; 400m Freestyle; 800m Freestyle; 200m Freestyle; bronze 35-39yrs 100m Freestyle; 100m Breaststroke; Suzanne McBride – silver 70-74yrs 50m Breaststroke; 100m Breaststroke; 800m Freestyle; bronze 400m Freestyle; Megan Taylor – silver 40-44yrs 200m IM; 100m Breaststroke; bronze 100m Backstroke; Fiona Cheeseman – gold 50-54yrs 100m Breaststroke (1:47.83); 200m Breaststroke (3:48.54); silver 200m Freestyle Relay with Megan Taylor, Naomi McGilvray, Susan Dalton; Club President Daniel Stampa – silver 60-64yrs 1500m Freestyle; 200m IM; 50m Backstroke; bronze 50m Breaststroke; 200m Freestyle; 400m Freestyle; Timothy Caris – silver 30-34yrs 50m Butterfly; 200-239yrs 200m Freestyle Relay with Greg Armstrong, Nigel Dalton, Terence Beaton; bronze 50m Freestyle; 100m Freestyle; Mixed 200m Freestyle Relay with Nigel Dalton, Megan Taylor Toni Enright); Terence Beaton – gold 65-69yrs 200m Freestyle (2:44.63);silver 50m Freestyle; 100m Freestyle; 400m Freestyle; 800m Freestyle; Greg Armstrong – gold 55-59yrs 200m Freestyle (2:27.55); 400m Freestyle (5:21.14); 1500m Freestyle (21:37.57); silver 800m Freestyle; bronze 50m Butterfly; 50m Freestyle; 100m Freestyle;

Nigel Dalton – gold 55-59yrs 400m Backstroke (6:25.47); silver 200m Backstroke; 800m Backstroke; 1500m Backstroke; 200m Freestyle; Mixed 200-239yrs 200m Medley Relay with Jaime Patten; Megan Taylor; Terence Beaton; bronze 100m Backstroke; 50m Backstroke; Christine Webb – gold 55-59yrs 100m Butterfly; bronze 400m Breaststroke; Brian Keogh – silver 65-69yrs 1500m Freestyle;  

Alison Friswell – bronze 55-59yrs 200 IM; 100m Backstroke; 50m Butterfly; 100m Breaststroke; Sue de Meer – silver 65-69yrs 800m Breaststroke; Jo-Anne Shanks – gold – 50m Backstroke (59.54);  

silver 50-54yrs 100m Backstroke; Toni Enright – silver 45-49yrs 100m Breaststroke; 200m Breaststroke; 200m Freestyle Relay with Alison Friswell, Suzanne McBride, Lesley Thorpe; bronze 50m Freestyle; 50m Backstroke; Steven Burchill – 65-69yrs 200m Breaststroke; bronze 100m Breaststroke; 50m Backstroke; Cameron Turnbull – silver 25-29yrs 200m Freestyle; 100m Butterfly; 400m Freestyle and Lesley Thorpe – bronze 65-69yrs 100m Breaststroke.

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North Mackay Sinkers tallied the Highest Club Points at the recent Masters Swimming Queensland State Championships. Photo supplied

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They are more renowned for their rugby league, basketball, boxing or touch football prowess – now a batch of athletic St Patrick’s College Mackay students have banded together for a crack at Boys Netball at this year’s Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Carnival in Brisbane.

Fresh from a maiden appearance at last year’s inaugural QISSN Boys Netball event, the new look 2023 combination coached by Phil Dreghorn and Nina Gaviglio has an exciting look about it.

Early indications show a natural flair among the group with the player mix quickly adapting to the fundamentals of netball.

The team doesn’t have far to look for inspiration with rookie players from last year’s foundation squad in centre/wing attack Ben Pease and shooters Will Randell and Baxter Norsworthy gaining recognition and proving ideal role models.

At the conclusion of last year’s QISSN Carnival staged in Mackay, Pease and Randell were selected in the tournament’s inaugural All Stars Team while the promising Norsworthy was named in the Rising Stars squad.

And the squad have been buoyed by the rapid success of the versatile Pease, who will represent the Queensland Suns Under 20s side at the National Boys Netball Championships to be staged in Perth from April 7 to 17.

Only two members of the College’s original 2022 team are back on deck this year - the capable Norsworthy, who is a gun goal shooter, as well as talented centre/wing defender George Mann.

“We have a new look side that is developing quickly and improving each week,” revealed mentor Nina.

“The players look up to someone like Ben who has forced his way into a State representative netball side in such a short time while having a basketball and AFL background,” she said.

Having cut their netball teeth in recent weeks in the Fast Five Boys competition, the team is now gearing up for the Mackay Schools series that commences in the opening week of Term 2.

Under the astute coaching of Phil and Nina, the squad should be in good stead in the lead up to QISSN (June 25 to June 30) and the qualifying tournament for the Vicki Wilson Cup State Championships on August 5-6.

By Chris Karas

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Standing L-R George Mann, Matthew Hof, Baxter Norsworthy, Joshua Venz, Joshua Williamson; Seated Jacob Elbourne, Trae Cora, Toby Falconer, Oscar Bishop, Lance Allan. Photo supplied

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Summer heat and humidity has made games at Mackay Bowls Club an exercise in maintaining grip and focus.

Tuesday afternoon, 23 players saw a mixture of hot steamy conditions to start the afternoon, ending up with a downpour of rain to finish the day.

Winners of Winners

K Stranberg, M Mayfield, D McNamara

Winners of Losers

B Cuttris, A Pagdwn, M. D'Alisso

Thursday Afternoon Scroungers saw 28 players taking to the rinks and good close games were witnessed.

Semi-final winners Mick Coll and Dot McNamara played off in the final with Dot running out eventual winner.

A good afternoon was had by all.

Weekend of April 15-16 will see the start of Men's Pennants with Mackay Club playing in Divisions 2,4 & 6 with away and home games on both days.

The Mackay Club (Ladies Section) PAH will be conducted on Friday April 14. All Ladies wishing to attend must register names on form on notice board Bowling Activities this week. Tuesday Men’s Social Day 1.00pm, Thursday Scroungers 2.00pm.

The Club thanks Russel Fry for organising the Easter Raffle which was a wonderful success  - thanks to all for buying tickets and donating prizes.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Photo credit: Mike Irving

North Mackay Athletics sent its team of 19 athletes up the highway to take on the Little Athletics State Championships in Townsville on the March 27 weekend.

The local club came home with a series of spectacular results, not only as a number of its athletes achieved personal bests in their chosen events, but also as a number of the young stars made it through to the finals.  

Many of the club’s athletes competed for the first time in an eye opening and valuable experience for them to carry into the future.

North Mackay Athletics spokesperson Kayla Porter congratulated the athletes for making the selection to attend the event.

“Three of our athletes Hayley Colless, Toby Rule and Ayla Moon were success in winning several medals,” Ms Porter said.

“And we are particularly proud of them, alongside our other amazing representatives.”

Hayley, in the under 14s, competed in the 200-metre sprint, coming 10th, and competed in the 90-metre hurdles and the 200-metre hurdles, winning the Gold in each of these events, while also achieving personal bests.

In the under 16s, Toby competed in the 1500-metre won a Gold and breaking a nine-year-old record, this also being the third year in a row being State Champion for this event. In the 800m silver and a massive personal best of three seconds.

Ayla, in the under 11s, won a Bronze in the 1500-metre together with a 10 second personal best. She also competed in the 200-metre, making the finals after a personal best and closely coming in fifth before running in the 400-metre and coming fourth, just missing out on third by a fraction of a second.

Ayla finished the weekend claiming a silver in the 800-metre.

Additionally, Liana Herrington claimed Gold in the U14 girls Pole Vault at Queensland Athletics State Championships in Brisbane. She is currently ranked third in Australia.

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Shaylah Mixes It With Best

Tougher the challenge the stronger the response – that is the inspiring life motto for Mackay’s outstanding netball prospect Shaylah Pershouse.

Netball is a way of life for dedicated Shaylah, who is one of the rising young stars at St Patrick’s College and the Mackay Netball Association.

Shaylah will represent the Capricornia region at this month’s Queensland Secondary Schools 13-15yrs Netball State Championships from April 27-30 at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena.

As a just reward for recent stand out performances, the athletic Shaylah has also been promoted to the St Patrick’s senior squad for the 2023 Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Carnival that will also be staged in Brisbane from June 25-30.

The State Secondary Schools tournament is the perfect lead-in event for this year’s QISSN Championships with Shaylah to be joined by St Patrick’s colleague and talented centre Tenille Cotter in the Capricornia 13-15yrs team.

To test herself against the best, young Shaylah will line up in three competitions in the Mackay Netball Association this season – Under 16A, Division One and Premier League.

“Playing against older and more experienced netballers brings out the best in my game,” revealed Shayla.

“I really enjoy the challenge as a goalkeeper to make life difficult for the shooters and to restrict their scoring by maintaining our defensive pressure,” she said.

Since stepping up into the senior ranks, the lanky Pershouse has made every post a winner.

“It can get feisty on court but I just focus on my role, listen and learn and simply soak up the experience,” Shaylah added.

Like all aspiring netballers in Queensland, an ambitious Shaylah dreams of one day playing for the Firebirds and Australian Diamonds.

The star goalkeeper will get a taste of the big time when she participates on the Wanderers Australia International Netball tour of England and France in early 2024.

Shaylah and good friends Tenille Cotter and goal defender Kacee Ziegeler will tour with an Australian side where they’ll play eight matches against top club, county and representative teams in the United Kingdom.  

By Chris Karas

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Rising 15-year-old goalkeeper Shaylah Pershouse shows her defensive capabilities for DAS in the Mackay Division 1 Netball competition

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March was a very busy month for the Mackay Bridge Club.

Mackay Match Point Pairs

Section A 1st - Diane & Max Holewa, 2nd- Noel Bugeia & Terry Sheedy, 3rd- Monica Darley & Nancy Wicks.

Section B 1st- Patricia Garner & Helen Van Den Broek, 2nd- Annie Lynch & Diane Stokes.

Section C Sandy Patterson & Geoff Cowan.  Encouragement Award – Susan Ross & Vicki Howard.

Whitsunday Zone Pairs

Winners of the Whitsunday Zone pairs will compete in the State Zone Titles at QCBC in Brisbane in October.

Open - Noel Bugeia & Terrence Sheedy

Novice – Sandra Morris and Diane Cox

Mackay Club Championship Teams

1st Team Goodchild – Debra & Eric Goodchild / David & Ming Ting

2nd Team Holewa – Diane & Max Holewa / Terrence Sheedy & Eric Leivesley

3rd Team Darley – Monica Darley & Kath Poole / Janet Hansen & Del Ryan

GNOT Qualifying 2 Teams

1st Team Holewa – Diane & Max Holewa / Terrence Sheedy & Noel Bugeia

2nd Team Shuttlewood – Lorna Shuttlewood & Anne Lutz / Faye Wright & Marilin Robins

3rd Team Taylor – Geoff Taylor & Janelle Conroy / Monica Darley & Nancy Martin

Contributed by Joy Block

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Section C Winners Geoff Cowan & Sandy Patterson with President Noel Bugeia (centre)

Encouragement Award Winners Susan Ross & Vicki Howard with President Noel Bugeia (centre)

Whitsunday Zone Open Winners Noel Bugeia & Terry Sheedy with PP Lorna Shuttlewood

Whitsunday Zone Novice Winners Sandra Morris & Di Cox. Photos supplied

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Mackay Cutters’ early season woes continued in the QRL Hostplus Cup after a disappointing 38-26 loss to the top-of-the-table Central Queensland Capras at BB Print Stadium last Saturday night.

It was a fourth successive defeat for Michael Comerford’s gallant Cutters who have struggled to produce their best form in the opening month of the competition.

The Cutters opened the scoring after eight minutes with a smart try by centre Flynn Camilleri.

Three quick tries by Capras winger Brandon Roberts, lock Aaron Teroi and the crafty Kurt Donoghoe gave the visitors a handy 18-6 lead before the Cutters rallied with a four pointer by winger Jake Riley and a second try for the quick-stepping Camilleri off a pinpoint Cook kick.

Experienced NRL winger Edrick Lee dashed over for the Capras fourth try of the match soon after to give his side a 24-16 lead at the interval.

In an absorbing second stanza, the Capras staved off a determined Cutters challenge – extending their lead with tries by Samuel Yegip and Donoghoe after winger Logan Dillon and utility forward Sean Mullany had kept the home side in the hunt with crucial four pointers.

The Cutters suffered a huge blow in the lead up to the clash after key playmaker Brandon Finnegan was ruled out indefinitely with a fractured knee.

His replacement Bayley Gill combined well with Cook and the elusive Camilleri with prop Hiale Roycroft and back rower Asher O’Donnell working tirelessly in the forwards.

There was better news for the Cutters in the BMD Premiership when the women posted a hard-fought 24-16 triumph over the Capras.

Dynamic fullback China Polata was the best on ground with her power running a feature as the Cutters registered their third win of the season.

Other Mackay players to impress were lock Shannon Mato, centre Libby Surha, prop Essay Banu, second rower Mackenzie Weale, hooker Emma Manzelmann and five eighth Alisha Foord.

The Cutters sealed second spot in the Harvey Norman Under 19s Womens series after toppling the Capras 24-8 while Mackay bowed out of the Under 16 Cyril Connell Challenge and Under 18 Mal Meninga Cup despite recording emphatic victories over the Capras.

The Under 16s chalked up a 28-6 win and the Under 18s a thumping 46-16 triumph in the Mal Meninga Cup.

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Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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Ladies social bowls winners this week were: Bev McDonald, Lesley Baumgarten and Daphne Offield. Runners up were: Min Andrew, Sue Roscoe, Wendy McGee and Anne Smith.

Saturday morning we had the semi-finals of the District Pairs Championship between 3 North Mackay teams and Airlie Beach team. Going through into the afternoon’s final were from Airlie Beach club, Joan McGrath and Ladda Purdie and from North Mackay club, Lorraine Silman and Lorraine Lemke. We were all treated to the final of all finals. It was neck and neck, end for end, and some amazing bowls being played by both teams. The winners of the District Pairs were Airlie Beach. A huge congratulations to the winners and to everyone that played in this wonderful event.

Supplied by Suzanne Hazeldine

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Joan McGrath and Ladda Purdie from Airlie Beach and Lorraine Silman and Lorraine Lemke from North Mackay. Photo supplied

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The annual Tilse Toddle was once again a great success with over fifty runners tackling the loop style 5km and 10km course.  

The flat, fast course scored a few personal best times including Natalie Lorraway and Peter Wright in the 5km.  

Club President Tim Magoffin thanked the hosts for the arranging perfect running conditions, ie no blazing sun and lower temperatures than has historically been the norm.

The light sprinkly rain and cooling breezes were a bonus and even though heavy storm clouds were threatening, they did not open as per the weather forecast.

Mackay Road Runners welcomed many returning members including the elusive Shane Barben who as always puts in 100% whenever he runs despite his training schedule.

Excellent performances also came from Justin, Oliver and Toby Rule, Lily and Luke Leven after very successful athletics competitions in Cannonvale.

Many thanks to volunteers and runners for assisting in set up and pack down of the Tilse Toddle including Walker Murray, Luke Leven, Andrew Short, Tim Magoffin and Paul Tilse.

Some light, pale ale refreshments were on sale post-race with all sale proceeds going to Pancare (Pancreatic Cancer) in the lead up to the 10km Club Championship Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield in four weeks.  

This Sunday’s social 5km & 10km starts from Zambrero City Centre, corner of Gregory and Gordon Streets at 4:30pm.  

The social event will be very social due to the Easter long weekend and abundance of highly charged chocolate eating athletes looking for a Sunday running fix.  

Many thanks to Peter Quinn and his family and staff for allowing us to land on his doorstep on a very special day.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Crystal Hawkins, Susan Petersen and Emma Johnson enjoyed the much cooler Tilse Toddle conditions

Good mates Stuart Sprott, Jan Smith and Lisa Burns catch up after their Tilse Toddle events

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Four of our Dolphins travelled to the big smoke this past week for the Queensland Representative School Sport Swimming Championships held at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre. They represented their school district, Capricornia – the 10–12-year-old’s swimming Sunday to Tuesday, 26-28 March and the 13–19-year-old’s swimming Wednesday to Friday, 29-31 March.

Alex Moss and Madison Malagueno represented the 10–12-year-old bracket and Stevie Brand and Yasmin Seedwell represented the 13–19-year-old bracket. A number of other Pioneer Swimmers were also selected but were unable to attend – Ella Bounden and Viktor Lee.

Highlights of the week included:

1. Personal bests being achieved by our swimmers;

2. Many a friend being made – the event allowing swimmers to interact with other clubs in their district which ranges from Pindi Pindi in the North down to Miriam Vale in the South;

3. Madison’s U11 Medley Relay Team receiving a silver medal;

4. Madison was a finalist in the 100m freestyle event; and

5. Madison receiving a bronze medal in the 50m freestyle event.  

Madison will now travel to the National Representative School Swimming in Sydney in August. What a great result for our youngest travelling Dolphin.

Congratulations to all our swimmers who were selected and who travelled to Brisbane to compete – your club is truly proud of all your achievements.

Contributed by Pioneer Swimming Club

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Alex Moss and Madison Malagueno

Stevie Brand

Yasmin Seedwell

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Mackay NBL1 Basketball Triumphs Over Townsville

Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes confirmed their NBL1 North championship credentials with rollicking victories over the Townsville Flames and Heat last Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

Superb performances from star guards Denesha Bobongie and Davida Dale inspired the Meteorettes to a 90-69 triumph over the reigning champions while superstar recruit Isaac White produced another top class display to mastermind an 82-64 win over the Heat in the main game.

Jamiey Doevendans’ Meteorettes overcame a slow start to sink the Flames and notch their first win of the season with top games from Bobongie, Dale, Phoebe Holmes, Madison MacDonald, Hannah Jensen and Jaye Willis.

They led 19-11 at the first break; 46-28 at half time and 73-45 at the end of the third quarter with the dynamic Dale and skilful Bobongie stamping their mark.

Young gun Bobongie, a former Australian Sapphires junior representative, turned in a mighty showing with 26 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks on 12/18 shooting with the flamboyant Dale just as impressive.

The 26 year old American guard finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and seven steals and proved instrumental in the 21-point victory.

17 year old guard Holmes contributed 14 points.

Mackay Meteors made it back-to-wins after taming a powerful and well drilled Heat side in humid conditions.

Meteors coach Joel Khalu praised his charges for their wholehearted effort and will to win – keeping the Heat at bay with bustling defence.

Leading the way was maestro guard White who followed up his opening round 40 points effort with another masterclass performance.

The off contract Tasmanian JackJumpers guard demonstrated his silky skills for Mackay by finishing with 34 points, eight steals, five rebounds and five assists to spearhead a rousing 18 point win over the Heat.

White was ably supported by Djery Jean Baptiste (12 points and eight rebounds), guard Isaiah Lee (11 points, two assists and two steals), guard Tyler Williams and shooter Kye Medhurst as the Meteors led 23-17, 52-33 and 63-55 after the three breaks.

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Photo credit: Kieron Place Art & Photography

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Wheelchair rugby league allows the beautiful game to be played by anybody and everybody, allowing people with and without disabilities to play on the same team

The inclusive rugby league variation was founded in France around 2008, being taken up by Queenslanders in 2016 and seeing a steady growth ever since.

It’s grown to incorporate north Queensland and southeast Queensland zones that compete for selection in a Queensland team that takes on New South Wales in an annual state of origin clash.

An NRL Wheelchair Come, Try N Play event is coming to Mackay this weekend to give locals a taste.

“The main difference is, obviously, you’re in a wheelchair,” said NRL Wheelchair Participation Programs Officer Zac Schumacher.

“We play on an indoor court that’s 46m x 20m and we play five a side.

“The jerseys have tags on their shoulders and removing one tag constitutes a tackle.

“Kicking is done by an AFL hand pass or conversions are done with kicking tees but with a fist.

“It’s open to everybody: men, women, abled, disabled – it’s a fully inclusive sport.”

Mr Schumacher discovered wheelchair rugby league after attending a Come, Try N Play event himself in 2016, the sport helping him with a hip injury at the time.

“I love the teamwork,” he said.

“Being able to play with mates that I wouldn’t necessarily be able to play sport with due to injury on a level playing field.

“I’ve been lucky enough to represent Australia twice, Queensland four times and I’m now a Participation Programs Officer for Veterans Engagement.”

The NRL Wheelchair team will be running a Come, Try N Play event tomorrow, Saturday, April 1, inviting anyone to give the sport a go.

“We’ll run some skills and drills, a little bit of gameplay, just getting people familiar with the chairs and the rules and the game and obviously having fun is our main priority,” Mr Schumacher said.

“Just come along, give it a try.

“It’s something different and it’s great fun.”

These Come, Try N Play events also allow NRL Wheelchair to gauge interest in the sport.

“Hopefully if we have enough interest, we can start a local Mackay competition to verse Townsville and possibly Cairns, to then pick the north Queensland team from that for the state cup later in the year,” Mr Schumacher said.

WHAT: NRL Wheelchair Come, Try N Play

WHEN: Saturday, April 1 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm

WHERE: PCYC Mackay

REGISTER: https://www.nrlwheelchair.com.au/nrl_events/come-try-play-north-queensland-1-april-2023/

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Wheelchair rugby league is a 5-a-side inclusive variation played on an indoor court. Photos supplied

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Basketball fans turned out in force as the Mackay Metorettes and Meteors kicked off their NBL1 seasons last Friday night.

Welcoming Rockhampton to the Crater for Rivalry Round, it was the Meteorettes taking on the Cyclones first in what ended up an absolute thriller.

With each team taking the lead throughout the first quarter, the Cyclones took control of the game early, going into the first break with a 15-26 lead.

The momentum started to shift in an evenly matched second quarter, with the Meteorettes staying in the game at 35-44 at halftime.

Led by US import Davida Dale, who was hitting threes for fun and finished the game with 28 points, the home side hit back hard in the third quarter, taking a 65-59 lead into the final quarter.

The visitors started their fourth quarter strongly, with Samantha Bowman leading the way and finishing with 38 points for the match.

Tied up at 80-80 with eight seconds to go, the visitors were given free throws in the final four seconds to seal a hard-fought 80-82 win against an impassioned Mackay outfit.

“We had a pretty good start,” said Meteorettes Head Coach Jaimey Doevendans.

“We lost our way with ball movement for a little while and it could’ve come down to fatigue.

“Our crowd helped us in that third quarter, the girls responded, and we found our way a little bit.

“The girls played with character and that’s what we’re building our team on.”

The next match between the Meteors and Rockets started off in a similarly even fashion, a fast-paced first quarter finishing with the visitors in the lead 26-30.

The match remained in the balance throughout the second quarter, both teams scoring rapidly with the halftime score 48-49.

The home side started to pile on the points in the third quarter, with Isaac White finding his rhythm on debut and leading the team with infectious energy, finishing with 40 points for the match.

The home side went into the final quarter with an 87-76 lead, finishing the match convincing 106-90 victors over their central Queensland rivals.

“It’s always good when we get the win, against Rockhampton, particularly,” Meteors Head Coach Joel Khalu said.

“We’ve had a really good preseason, so that’s helped the personalities find a way to gel.

“If you can get guys to buy into the system and buy into each other, then it makes it a whole lot easier as a coach.

“We’re a group that have got different threats in different ways on the floor.

“Whitey (Isaac White) was outstanding tonight.

“I thought CJ (Christian) Maran was amazing.

“I thought his defence really changed the course of the game.

“Overall, defensively, while we gave up 90, I think, for the most part, we had a good day on the court.”

The Mackay teams return to the Crater tonight, Friday, March 31, to take on the Townsville Flames and Heat.

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Basketball returned to the Crater last Friday

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night results March 23, 2023:

Division 1:

Donic (Graham Drury, Andrew McHugh, Barry Patterson) d Tibhar (Mick Ruhl, Allan Edwards, Vince Boeske) 6-5. Andrew d Mick 8, 5, -3, -8, 4.

Joola (Emma Widdup, Neil Brown, Robbie Richards) d Victas (Geoff Denman, Anne Sheridan, Steven Whiting) 6-5. Rob d Geoff -7, 9, -2, 9, 8.

Division 2:

Radak (Lee Brake, George Camilleri, Rhymer Tabulo, Andrea Nicholson) drew Stiga (Graham Brake, Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Matthew West) 7-all. Lee d Graham 12, -8, 7, -8, 8.

Yasaka (Ian McKay, Duncan Treloar, Peter Goodson, Lily Boland) d Andro (Janice Kent, Graeme Walker, Mark Sleeman, Will VanDeKaa) 10-4. Lily d Graeme 3, -8, 12, -3, 9.

Division 3:

Gewo (Simon Hogan, Tiffany Camilleri, Craig VanDeKaa) d Butterfly (Virginia Clayton, Val Austin, Trent Day) 6-2. Simon d Trent -9, 7, -8, 9, 10. Simon d Trent -9, 7, -8, 9, 10.

Nittaku (Noreen Fredericksen, Duncan Sheridan, Steve Crocker) d Xiom (Donna Abbott, Leo Gilbert, Ollie Hamelink) 8-3. Leo d Noreen 6, -7, 8, -8, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures March 23, 2023:

Division 1:

Cockatoos (Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Peter Goodson, Don Boettcher) d Pelicans (Charlie Payne, Branko Vucurovic, John McGee, Veronica Keioskie) 8-6. Tony d Branko -10, -5, 9, 4, 11.

Magpies (George Camilleri, Delma Knight, Judy Zahn, Noreen Fredericksen) d Doves (Michael Ibbotson, Pam Joyce, Kevin Abbott, Coral Morgan) 10-4. Pam d Delma -2, 9, 7, -10, 7.

Division 2:

Owls (Kim Challender, Robyn Bushell, Helen Ware) d Ibis (Iris Grasso, Louise Gould, Fred Saliba) 8-4. Iris d Robyn -9, 13, 10, 9.

Parrots (Bryan Marshall, Judi Hicks, Marie Taylor) d Kookaburras (John Hamelink, Ken Best, Kim Daffy) 7-5. John d Judi 12, -6, -10, 9, 10.

Division 3:

Hawks (Pam Keune, Gloria Vella) d Storks (Madge Saunders, Allison Day) 7-3. Gloria d Madge -9, 4, 8, -10, 9.

Eagles (Sharon Muller, Frank Caruana, Glenda Dutton) d Pigeons (Thelma Caruana, Bill Hey, Myles Dutton) 10-2. Sharon d Bill 8, 7, -9, -8, 9.

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Mackay bowls club launched into full competition last week with rinks holding social or competition bowls. This Saturday, teams will be competing in Wilma Plane Creek Shield. Teams: C Molloy, G Luck, P Molloy, B Bridger B Williams, T Crocker, C Marks, R Dunstan K Tranberg, J Crocker, G Edmonds, N Wilson.

The Mackay Club (Ladies Section) PAH will be conducted on Friday April 14.

All ladies wishing to attend register your name on nomination form in the Clubhouse.

Members wishing to play in the 8-a-Side Champion of Champion competition: this has to run as a CH of CH Competition and played on Easter Monday April 10. The district Competition will be played on June 24 and 25. Make sure you are available for all events.

WEEKS RESULTS

Tuesday Social Play(24)

Winner of Winners

Alan Bartlett, Whare Herewini, Barry Paskins.

Winner of Losers

Peter Nelson, Col Stevens, Brian Williams Thursday Scroungers (15) Karina Dunn def Peter Carter

Friday Social Play

Leanne Jenner, Peter Carter, Whare Herewini, def Liz McIntosh, Barry Jenner, R Schatkowski.\

Club Championships were played in Triples, Singles, Pairs, for Women and Mens Competition with some very close games played.

This Friday Ladies Championships Singles will be played Saturday Afternoon. Ladies Championships Pairs with Mens B Pairs, Open Singles and Senior Singles and Sunday Mens Open Triples.

Good close games should be witnessed - spectators welcome to come and enjoy the weekend, the bowls and friendly atmosphere.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Photo credit: Mike Irving

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Returning to BB Print Stadium for the second week in a row, the Hostplus Cup Mackay Cutters were once again unable to capitalise on a close match, finishing off a huge day of local rugby league last Saturday.

The Townsville Blackhawks were off and racing early, with fullback Jodeci Baker-Tiraha scoring in the second minute.

The Cutters were quick to hit back after second rower Luke Webley crossed to even things up in the first 10 minutes.

It was to be the only first-half try for the home side, with Mckenzie Baker scoring in the 15th and Baker-Tiraha scoring his second in the 23rd, giving the visitors a 6-18 lead at half time.  

The Blackhawks started their second half in a similar fashion, with tries in the 44th and 61st minutes to Mitchell Dunn and Robert Derby all but sealing the deal.

At 6-28, the seemingly insurmountable lead narrowed in the 67th minute as winger Jake Riley crossed for the home side’s second try.

Inspiring a late comeback, tries to Logen Dillon in the 71st minute and Hiale Roycroft in the 77th got the Cutters within striking distance but it was too little too late.  

The Blackhawks hung on to win 22-28, handing the Cutters their third loss of the season, losing by six points or less two weeks in a row.

Meanwhile, the BMD Cutters travelled to Townsville on Saturday to take on the Burleigh Bears, suffering the first loss of their inaugural season.

The Bears showed their intent early, scoring twice in the first 11 minutes before Sareka Mooka scored for the Cutters in the 25th.

Tazmin Gray scored her second try for the Bears late in the first half, with the visitors hitting the sheds with a 4-16 lead.

The Bears piled on the tries in the second half, with a Caitlyn Ah Fook hat-trick helping them to a 34-4 lead with five minutes to go.

Two late consolation tries came to the Cutters thanks to Shannon Mato and Tahlulah Tillett, resulting in the Cutters going down 14-34.

Earlier in the day at BB Print Stadium, the Hastings Deering Colts Cutters went down to the Blackhawks 18-40, the Harvey Norman U19s went down 16-20, the Mal Meninga Cup squad went down 16-50 and the Cyril Connell Cup Cutters went down 4-24.

The Cutters return to BB Print Stadium this Saturday, with all six teams taking the field in a massive day of rugby league; gates open at 9:15am.

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Last week was a winless one, with all six Cutters squads experiencing losses. Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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In Girls Rugby League Trophy Decider

Mackay State High School are the Mackay School Sport Girls Year 7/8 Rugby League champions for 2023.

The Milton Street school staved off a spirited challenge from St Patrick’s College in wet conditions to claim the title with a 20-6 Grand Final victory at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

Bolstered by the recruitment of ace playmaker Vitea Parter from St Patrick’s in recent weeks, the Mackay State High girls showed their class and power to bring home the trophy.

Under the coaching of talented Mackay Cutters utility Harry Thorpe, the St Patrick’s outfit finished the season on a strong note.

“The girls improved with each match and recorded some impressive victories during the competition,” revealed a proud Thorpe post-match.

“Highlight was the recent win over Mackay State High where the girls played smart football in a top team effort,” he said.

“Unfortunately, they couldn’t reproduce their best in the Grand Final but the girls tried valiantly in abysmal conditions against a very strong MSH side” Thorpe added.

The loss of Magpies rugby league star Parter, an outstanding all round sportswoman, on the eve of the finals was a savage blow to the St Patrick’s camp.

Coach Thorpe and manager Nicole Martin praised the efforts of promising hooker Jade Williams, hard working second rower Jess McLennan, fullback Jacqueline ‘Gee Gee” Walsh, centre Stella Cullen, winger Indy Jorgensen, centre and utility forward Chelsea Webb and strong running forward Brianna Renehan.

“They led the way with strong performances each week and showed that determination and a never-say-die attitude can take you a long way,” said Nicole.

“Our girls were brave against a powerful MSH team and thoroughly deserved a crack at the title” she added.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Girls Year 7/8 team Standing L-R Cleo Daly, Chloe Townsend, Chelsea Webb, Jess McLennan, Isla Linwood, Asher Grigg, Mia Pullen, Lilah Lewis, Rose Bradley; front Hannah Ness, Mia Hill, Indy Jorgensen, Brianna Renehan, Jade Williams, Layla Bungay, Zakayah Day, Stella Cullen, Jacqueline Walsh. Absent: Rihanna Andrew. Photo supplied

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In Capricornia Rugby League Squads

Six of Mackay’s best young rugby league prospects will showcase their skills in coming weeks at one of the State’s best showpiece schoolboy tournaments.

Emerging St Patrick’s College colts in halfback Jaxon Purdue, hooker Xavier Kerrisk, fullback Will Shears, lock forward Kayne Smith, centre Tenzin Cantor and prop Tyler Shandiman are players to watch when they line up for the Capricornia 18yrs team at the Queensland School Sport State Championships in Townsville on May 22-23.

The tournament is the breeding ground for future NRL, State of Origin and Kangaroos stars and a stepping stone into the code’s highly competitive professional ranks.

Queensland Country Under 17s playmaker Purdue and classy number nine Kerrisk along with dashing custodian Shears and ball playing lock Smith are already contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys and have bright futures in the game.

Shears and Smith impressed Cowboys officials during a Young Guns pre-season camp in Townsville while Cantor and Shandiman add size and strength to a powerful and well drilled Capricornia representative squad that is tipped to figure in the State Championship play-offs.

All six are key players for Ian Schifilliti’s much vaunted St Patrick’s College Open Boys team that are strong contenders for this year’s Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup titles.

The super six are also trump cards for the Mackay Cutters Under 18s side that are currently entrenched in the top six of the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup competition after five rounds.

Meanwhile five St Patrick’s College students feature in the Capricornia 14-15yrs rugby league representative squad that will also compete at the Queensland School Sport State Championships in Townsville on May 22-23.

Young guns Adam McSherry, George Gofton, Sam Anderson, Norm Campbell and Eli Cookson were selected after strong performances at schoolboy and Junior League level.

McSherry, a premiership winning five eighth with the Brothers Bulldogs, will skipper the Capricornia team.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Mackay rugby league stars l to r Xavier Kerrisk, Tyler Shandiman, Kayne Smith, Jaxon Purdue, Will Shears and Tenzin Cantor will represent Capricornia at the Queensland School Sport Rugby League State Championships in Townsville from May 22-23. Photo supplied

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Ella Bounden is a name to watch in the world of swimming. At the young age of 13 years, she is already piquing interest and achieving goals one can only dream about.

Ella started swimming at six years old, always having swam with the Pioneer Swimming Club.  Ella’s growth as an athlete and focus to her goals in the sport of swimming is phenomenal at such a young age.  

She tells us her favourite coach to date is “Igor of course” – he has fostered this love and mentored a strong and formidable athlete. Ella tells us she loves how Igor can tailor training for each of the swimmers in the squad to ensure they are each being challenged every session.

Ella’s “pet” stroke is Backstroke – the 50 or 100 metre events. The 2022-2023 season has seen Ella break an extraordinary number of personal bests but also achieve qualifying times for State and National events! Ella swam at the December 2022 McDonald’s Queensland Championships, the February 2023 Hancock Prospecting Queensland Sprint Championships and now has qualified and will attend the 2023 Australian Age Championships in April. Ella’s next goal is to join the Junior World Championship Trials – watch out!

She tells us she looks up to Australian Swimmer, Isaac Cooper. He also loves Backstroke but she loves his determination to keep trying despite what gets thrown at him.

Ella is excited for Nationals in April – not just because it is Nationals, but because it is something different, exciting, and new to experience. The Pioneer Swimming Club has not had a swimmer qualify for nationals in a long time and she is excited to represent the club on this stage. The Club is certainly proud of her!

Ella is such a delight in our club – she is always happy, always smiling and always focused and eager to swim. She tells us she loves her club – “it is fun, inclusive and a great environment” but she also loves how the club is always doing something, be it training, club nights, carnivals, dinners and barbeques.  

The Club looks forward to hearing Ella’s experience at Nationals and wish her the best of luck!

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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The moment Ella Bounden knew she made a national time

Ella at NQ Champs. Photos supplied

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