Innisfail Bowls Club’s ‘Pink Day’ for breast cancer

Story And Photos By Maria Girgenti

LAST SUNDAY, the weather cleared. A full green of 64 bowlers participated in Innisfail Bowls Club’s Fours ‘Pink Day’ to raise awareness for breast cancer and funds for two local breast cancer support groups.

Fellow bowlers from across the region rallied around Innisfail member Michael de Vries, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and currently undergoing chemotherapy followed by radiation.

Sixteen teams with players from Innisfail, South Johnstone, Silkwood, Tully, Cairns, Marlin Coast, Tablelands, and Thursday Island played three games of 12 ends and enjoyed a barbeque lunch and smoko.

The winning team on the day, with a score of 6 + 33, was Cornelia Smith, Andrea Lim, Lee Mikic and Terry McAlary, who collected $600 in prize money.

In second place were Michael de Vries, Steven Henson, Craig Riddell and John O’Brien (6 + 27), whilst in third place were Brian Meyers, Dan Dunne, Denise and Len Charman (5 + 11).

A monster goose draw and raffle raised $6,100, with the funds to be split between Innisfail Breast Cancer Support Group and The Chemo Chics: Mission Beach and Cassowary Coast.

De Vries said he was overwhelmed by the support he has received and especially wanted to thank

Innisfail Bowls Club for hosting the day, members of the lawn bowls fraternity, the generosity of all the individuals and local businesses who sponsored the event or donated items and prizes for the raffle/goose draw, and everyone who contributed to making the day a huge success.

The Chemo Chics: Mission Beach and Cassowary Coast group has assisted de Vries by transporting him to chemotherapy sessions in Cairns.

Innisfail Breast Cancer Support Group has already provided 300 care packs to Breast Care nurses in Cairns, which have been distributed to patients diagnosed with breast cancer from Thursday Island to Cardwell, Tablelands and further west to Croydon.

IBCSG has also provided 100 chemotherapy/ radiation care packs, the first 100 post-surgery care packs, and care packs more suited for male patients.

Although breast cancer in men is uncommon and accounts for 1% of all cancers, it is just as crucial for men and women to consult their doctor if they notice any changes in their breasts.

According to the Australian Government website, in 2022, an estimated 212 men in Australia received a breast cancer diagnosis.

Survival rates continue to improve in Australia. Overall, the five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer is 91.8% and 86.5% for men.

Atherton Tableland Gun Club February shoot results

LAST Saturday, February 25, Silkwood Clay Target Club members participated in Atherton Tableland Gun Club’s night shoot in cool conditions with a little drizzle of rain to add to the challenging conditions.

Results:

Event 1 - 25 Target Double Barrel

AA - 1st: Aaron Lemphers, Bryan Sanderson 25/25

A - 1st: Scott Harper 24/25; 2nd: Greg Braid 22/25

B - 1st: William Armstrong 23/25; 2nd: Rob Draper 22/25

C - 1st: Matthew Chuck 21/25; 2nd: Helen Becke 20/25

Event 2 - 25 Target Point Score

AA - 1st: Aaron Lemphers 75/75; 2nd: Bryan Sanderson 64/75

A - 1st: Scott Harper 74/75; 2nd: Greg Braid 59/75

B - 1st: Rob Draper 64/75; 2nd: William Armstrong 62/75

C - 1st: Matthew Chuck 70/75; 2nd: Helen Becke 54/75

On Sunday, February 26, a field of 33 participated in a shoot at a very wet Atherton Tableland Gun Club range in overcast weather conditions, with an odd shower thrown in to challenge the top shooters.

Results:

Event 1 - 25 Target Double Barrel (Cash Divide)

AA - 1st: Graham Walker, Michael Thurston, Bryan Sanderson, Aaron Lemphers and Maurie Costa - all 25/25

A - 1st: Frank Scamnello, Edgar Collins, Joseph Micallef, Scott Harper and

Andrew Casella - all 25/25

B - 1st: Peter Neubecker, William Armstrong, Emma Thurston, Joe Collins and John Stella - all 23/25

C - 1st: Clint Wilkinson 24/25; 2nd: Rick Drury 22/25

Event 2 - 30 Target Medley

AA - 1st: Bryan Sanderson 50/50; 2nd: Mark Stella 67/69 (49/50) - Shoot off

A - 1st: Peter Luppi 50/50; 2nd: Joseph Micallef 49/50

B - 1st: Rob Draper 47/50; 2nd: John Stella 46/50

C 1st: Russell Howlett 50/50; 2nd: Clint Wilkins 48/50

Event 3 - 25 Target Single Barrel

AA - 1st: Michael Thurston 24/25; 2nd: Bryan Sanderson 36/38 (23/25) - Shoot off

A - 1st: Barry Lansdown 32/34; 2nd: Scott Harper 31/34 (23/25) - Shoot off

B - 1st: Charles Collins 24/25; 2nd: John Stella 23/27 (21/25) - Shoot off

C - 1st: Clint Wilkinson 25/25; 2nd: Rick Drury 23/25

Event 4 - 50 Target Continental Double Barrel

AA - 1st: Aaron Lemphers 50/50; 2nd: Bryan Sanderson 100/102; 3rd: Jar Smaniotto 99/102 (48/50) - Shoot off

A - 1st: Andrew Casella 74/74; 2nd: Frank Scamnello 73/74 (50/50); 3rd: Peter Threlfall 120/121 (49/50) - Shoot off

B - 1st: William Armstrong 49/50; 2nd: Joe Collins 48/50; 3rd: John Stella 51/54 (47/50) Shoot off

C - 1st: Clint Wilkinson 48/50; 2nd: Rick Drury 43/50; 3rd; Russell Howlett 42/50