Australian Masters Games, Adelaide NSW (12th -14th October 2023)

The Central Coast Ancient Mariners (CCAM) Walking Football Team recently competed in the 2023 Australian Master Games and brought home Silver and Bronze Medals!

CCAM entered two male teams: an Over-60’s and an Over-65’s team. 

Unfortunately, a couple of our Over-60’s players were carrying injuries coming into the Games and coupled with having no Substitutes, led to a weakened line-up and marginal losses. However, they were gallant in defeat by losing three games by only one goal, drawing one game 1-1 and beating another team 15-0! 

Our Over-65’s had greater success, however, they really had to work hard for it! They also started the Games with no Substitutes, so they had to ‘pace’ themselves. Day 1 started well with two resounding wins (6-0 & 6-2), however their third game resulted in a narrow 1-0 loss and an injury to one of their players (John), which resulted in him being unavailable to play on Day 2. However, they were still in a good position on the Table, with 6 competition points after three games. 

Day 2 for the Over-65s began with disappointment before they’d kicked a Ball. Due to the Rules of the Tournament, they could not replace John with another player, unless that player was registered to play. Frustratingly they were forced to play with a player short in their two games (5v6) and although they put up a heroic performance, they lost both their games 2-1 and 1-0.  

Notwithstanding the disappointment of Day 2, the Over-65’s still finished in 4th Place and therefore qualified for the Bronze Medal Play-off on Day 3, against the Pittwater Possums. John decided to take the field and do his best, although his mobility was greatly reduced. John played in a forward position, with the hope he’d receive some accurate passes and perhaps ‘jag’ a goal - you’ll never guess what happened! Cliff moved down the left-hand side with the ball, drew the central defender out of position and passed the ball to an unmarked John, who scored the only goal of the match – CCAM won the game 1-0 and the Bronze Medal!!!

*Footnote: John normally plays his football with the Pittwater Possums, however, he was invited to play for CCAM in the Adelaide Masters – great for CCAM!!!

The goals were shared by the Over-65, with Cliff scoring 6, Chris 5, Clive 2, John 1 and Kelly 1. 

CCAM female player Noeline earned her Silver Medal whilst teaming up with the Mona Vale Bowlo female team, who finished runners-up behind Ballina WF—well done Noeline! 

Finally, at the conclusion of the Games, CCAM Noeline was also presented with the prestigious John Walker Memorial Award. John was the Founder of Adelaide Walking Football. Noeline was given the award for being the 2023 Best & Fairest Player and for her contribution to women’s football generally. Noeline’s untiring devotion and contribution to promoting women’s football is not new; in fact, Noeline started promoting football for females in high School! We’re privileged and grateful that Noeline is a CCAM – her energy is boundless!

One of our CCAM male teams also played in the Mixed Competition (male & female players) and they finished in 1st Place! Ably led by Captain Graham; Clive, Ken, Howard, Phil and Derek performed magnificently considering the Phil and Derek don’t normally play for CCAM! The team ‘gelled’ very quickly and it was a testament to the belief they had in their ability to work together, support each other and develop a combination quickly. It obviously worked, as they didn’t lose a game – 4 wins and 1 Draw. The goals were shared by Phil (2), Ken (2), Graham (1), Clive (1) and Derek (1) - well done everyone!

The other CCAM male team were pitted against all-male opposition teams and the going was tough. Lead by Captain Chris, they won 4 of their 5 games and only lost2-1 to Ballina Green, the eventual winners. Ballina finished 1st on 13 points and CCAM finished 2nd on 12 points – close but ‘no Cigar’! However, what was particularly pleasing was beating the Over-50’s Representative team 2-1; they finished 3rd in the tournament. The goals were equally shared by Cliff (3), Chris (2), Tanya (2) and Steve D (1). Nick and Steve B also performed at a very high standard, assisting in defence and supporting the attack – well done!