Lake Cathie FC and Port Saints made it a double celebration for Mid Coast clubs after winning the inaugural UNE Regional Super League women’s and men’s grand finals on Sunday.
Eight men’s and women’s teams from Football Mid North Coast, North Coast Football and Northern Inland – NNSWF member zones made the trip to Scully Park, Tamworth for the inaugural finals weekend, with semi-finals played on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s deciders.
UNE Regional Super League Women’s
In the women’s competition, Lake Cathie qualified for the final after downing Oxley Vale Attunga 4-0 thanks to goals from Emilee Franklin, Olivia Mara, Indianna Hardisty and Gemma Murphy-Waters.
Macleay Valley were to be their opponents after the Rangers thrashed Tamworth FC 6-0 in their semi-final. Rory Ballard scored five goals with Shannon Day adding a sixth.
The women’s final was a tense affair with Lake Cathie winning 1-0 thanks to Evie Bobilak’s penalty midway through the second half.
Lake Cathie’s Michaela Elford was named the player of the match.
Lake Cathie coach Craig Bulmer said he was relieved his side secured the win.
“It has been such a tough year for the girls. We’ve had a few setbacks so to see the girls come through is just amazing. It’s all about them to be honest. I’m really excited and happy for them,” Bulmer said.
“We lost seven players [this season]. We had two ACL [injuries], one MCL [injury], a couple of players left, a really bad health issue for one of the players. But we’ve got the depth in the squad and the culture in the club is amazing.
“The support from the sponsors [is amazing]. Whatever we need we just get. It’s all about [the players] being able to go on the pitch and just do what they do. When you see two girls who have just turned 15 this year play the full 90 minutes in a facility like this in this kind of pressure it’s just amazing.
“I can see where [Northern NSW Football] are trying to go with the competition. To play at a facility like [Scully Park], we’re not used to it but it’s amazing and it’s what the girls in our area deserve.
“As the competition grows it’s going to get better and better. I’m excited for it. I love it. It’s going to be great.
“One hundred per cent [we’ll be back to defend the title]. I can only see this competition growing. The girls deserve it. There’s so much talent in our area. And the more we focus on it the more you’ll see it grow. It really highlights the area and the zone.”
UNE Regional Super League Men’s
Northern Storm and Port Saints smashed their way into Sunday’s final with dominant semi-final victories on Saturday.
Storm beat Inverell FC 6-0 thanks to En Sian Muang’s hat-trick and Benjamin Dove’s double.
Saints were just as convincing in their semi-final as they beat Armidale City Westside 6-1 with Angus Goodman scoring a hat-trick. Aiden Webster scored Westside’s consolation.
Northern Storm dominated much of the men’s final in terms of possession in what was a tough and physical battle with both sides refusing to take a backward step.
But it was Port Saints who took the lead against the run of play just before half-time when Anthony Jamieson’s free kick evaded everyone to sneak its way past Mitchell Weeden in the Storm goal.
Storm chased an equaliser and would have had it if not for player of the match Cooper Newton’s incredible goalline clearance in added time, with Port Saints hanging on for a memorable victory.
Port Saints captain Bailey Pascoe was delighted to lift the trophy for his side.
“We’re stoked. It’s been a great year. It was an awesome competition,” Pascoe said.
“What a way to finish it off [winning the final]. It was great.
“It was a nailbiter. [Northern Storm] were a really good team. They put us under pressure for most of the game. But it was a really great finish and we got the win."
NNSWF Premier Competitions coordinator Thom Kane said the tournament had been a huge success.
“The establishment of the UNE Northern NSW Regional Super League was an exciting step forward for football across regional northern NSW,” Kane said.
“The competition has extended the pathways for regional players and clubs and created a platform for talented regional players to showcase their talent.
“University of New England came on as the naming rights partner of the finals series and it was fantastic to see such a highly regarded institution such as UNE align itself with our premier regional league.
“We will look to continue building the competition into the future to help showcase and platform our regional players and clubs. A huge thank you to all the member zones, clubs and players who took part.”
2025 UNE Regional Super League Women’s Grand Final
Lake Cathie FC 1 (Evie Bobilak ‘60) defeated Macleay Valley Rangers 0
Player of the Match – Michael Elford (Lake Cathie FC)
2025 UNE Regional Super League Men’s Grand Final
Port Saints 1 (Anthony Jamieson ’43) defeated Northern Storm 0
Player of the Match – Cooper Newton (Port Saints)