Sport
1 May, 2026
Best result yet by bowlers
NORTH Queensland District stamped its authority on the greens at Northern Beaches, Mackay on 18 April, powering through the Northern Challenge men’s competition with a flawless three from three record to secure the 2026 title.
The Townsville-based side proved the team to beat all day, holding their nerve in tight contests and finishing as deserved champions.
Tropical Far North Queensland District also had reason to celebrate, with the rink skipped by Alf Strano and supported by Shane Spina (third), Malachy McTaggart (second) and Bruce Hopkins (lead) emerging as their most successful combination. The quartet produced two wins and a draw across the tournament.
Northern Challenge Team - Tropical Far North Queensland District
Mark Elliott (Innisfail), Roy McCarthy (South Johnstone), David Spowart, Darryl Stumbles (Tully), Bruce Hopkins, Malachy McTaggart, Shane Spina, Alf Strano (Innisfail), Wayne Petrohilos, Russell Wellby, Kevin Deegan (South Johnstone), Kevin Foord (South Johnstone). Manager: Tony Burns.
Results - Northern Challenge - Men
Round 1: Mackay District A 55 def Mackay District B 44 North Queensland District 55 def Tropical Far North Queensland District 54
Round 2: North Queensland District 51 def Mackay District B 42 Mackay District A 65 def Tropical Far North Queensland District 38
Round 3: North Queensland District 48 def Mackay District A 43 Mackay District B 46 def Tropical Far North Queensland District 36.
In Atherton, Silkwood’s Lee Ann Mayell produced a standout performance to claim the Tropical Far North Queensland District Women’s Championship Singles title, overcoming a field of 20 competitors in a demanding knockout format. Mayell saved her best for last, defeating Marlin Coast’s Terry McAlary by six shots in a high quality final.
Results - District Women’s Singles Championship
Round 1: Patricia De Ron 25 def Elaine Whitehead 20 Andrea Lim 26 def Beth Johnston 10 Jillian Alexander Sachse won by forfeit over Valerie Still Lee Ann Mayell 25 def Joanne Townsend 11
Round 2: Terry McAlary 25 def Dareyle Hester 19 Leonie Sims 25 def Elizabeth Backhouse 7 Margaret Bielek 25 def Juanita Walker 22 Andrea Lim 25 def Patricia De Ron 23 Cornelia Smith 26 def Cassandra Husak 24 Kaytlyn Smith 26 def Jean Smith 22 Pauline Kriesel 28 def Helen Morrison 12 Lee Ann Mayell 25 def Jillian Alexander Sachse 18
Quarter Finals: Terry McAlary 25 def Leonie Sims 12 Andrea Lim 25 def Margaret Bielek 14 Cornelia Smith 26 def Kaytlyn Smith 11 Lee Ann Mayell 25 def Pauline Kriesel 14
Semi Finals: Terry McAlary 25 def Andrea Lim 10 Lee Ann Mayell 25 def Cornelia Smith 13
Final: Lee Ann Mayell 27 def Terry McAlary 21.