Tigers and Lions share spoils as Over 35s comp kicks on

LAST year’s Signarama Over 35s champions, the Coffs Coast Tigers, were made to settle for a 1-1 draw against the ever-resilient Coffs United Lions in a spirited midweek encounter at Forsyth Park.

Midfield general Scott Bourke looked to have stamped the Tigers’ authority on the contest after 34 minutes, slicing through the Lions’ backline and calmly lobbing the goalkeeper to open the scoring.

But ten minutes later, Brent Turner answered back for the Lions with a composed finish, levelling the scores in what would prove to be the final goal of the night.

Both teams pushed in the second half but were ultimately forced to share the points in a tight affair that reflected the quality and competitiveness of this year’s Masters football scene.

The result leaves the Tigers sitting in second place on 10 points, trailing the Boambee B52 Bombers, who are currently the team to beat on 15 points.

However, with a rain-affected schedule and plenty of football still to be played, the ladder remains far from settled.

Off the pitch, the Men’s and Women’s Masters competitions continue to go from strength to strength.

Now featuring ten teams across two divisions, alongside a thriving seven-team Women’s Over 35s competition, Masters football has become a cornerstone of the local sporting calendar.

North Coast Football General Manager Duncan Marchant shared the popularity of midweek football for Masters players and the broader benefits.

“Many of the players are volunteers, coaches or support their kids on Saturday’s so midweek football is a great way to keep fit and stay connected with the game,” he said.

“It’s also proving to be a tonic for the soul.

“Research increasingly supports what players instinctively know: that participating in team sport helps reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.

“The weekly ritual of match day offers structure, purpose and connection – key ingredients in maintaining mental wellbeing, especially for those juggling the pressures of work and family life.

“In many ways, camaraderie has become the competition’s unofficial MVP – creating a space where lifelong friendships are rekindled and new bonds are formed.

“Whether it’s a hard-fought draw under lights or a post-game chat over a drink, the benefits go well beyond the scoreboard,” Marchant said.

And as the 2025 season heats up, the message is clear: in Masters football, the goals are only part of the story.

By David WIGLEY