TEA Gardens Soccer Club’s Walking Footballers embarked on a road trip south last weekend to take part in a regional Walking Football Tournament.
The Tea Gardens players joined teams and supporters from Northern Beaches, the Central Coast and Newcastle.
With an average age of 69, the Tea Gardens walkers played six games of 20 minutes’ duration from 10am through to 4pm.
They competed in the mixed social category against some much-younger teams and came out on top in five of their six games.
The walkers were well satisfied with their day and quietly happy to sit and relax for the journey back home.
The group sends its combined gratitude to Lizzy, from the University of Newcastle, for coordinating and organising the tournament; and to David Lau for coordinating and organising the Tea Gardens contingent.
Back home, Tea Gardens Soccer Club players contested Round 13 of the local draw, with Warren Sartori from Tea Gardens Hotel and Rod Blanch, proprietor of Tea Gardens Auto Electrics and Mechanical, both attending the day, enjoying a BBQ breakfast and experiencing the buzz that is the club’s Saturday morning soccer vibe.
Games commenced bang on time at 9am, thanks to the dedicated volunteer set-up team.
Mini grade (5-6 years) games were full of excitement and action, judging by the amount of cheering from the sidelines.
Refereed by George and mentored by Tasha, the Reef Sharks stayed on top of the Wobbegong Sharks, 7 goals to nil.
Players of the match vouchers were awarded to siblings Cobus and Hamish Sadler.
The 10am Game 2 kicked off, again with George and Tasha at the helm.
At the full-time whistle, the result was Shovel Nose Sharks 6, Port Jackson Sharks 2.
Liam Hood and Nancy Murray accepted their canteen vouchers with big smiles.
The Midis grade (7-9 years) games, ably officiated by Alissa, TGSC Secretary, saw the Mako Sharks pop five goals past the Bull Sharks, who scored one.
In Game 2, the Hammerhead Sharks’ one goal couldn’t quite match the Bulahdelah Bullets’ three.
Players of the match were Olivia McCartney, Beau Johnstone and Layla O’brien, who happily accepted their much-valued vouchers.
On the big pitch, the juniors kept their spectators and supporters on their toes with two great matches, with heaps of skill and sportsmanship exhibited.
Game 1 was a tightly contested battle all game, but in the end the Bronze Whalers held on to a slim lead over the Tiger Sharks, winning 6 goals to 5 when Karen blew her whistle.
Game 2, also refereed by Karen, went to our travelling club members, the Bulahdelah Bullets, with two goals to the Thresher Sharks’ nil.
The Player of the Match award went to Tobias Keeble, with proud dad and TGSC president Jason looking on.
All are welcome again this Saturday at Memorial Park Oval, Witt Street, Tea Gardens, from 9am-12 midday for another day of great community sport.
By Shayne REYNOLDS
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