Lismore’s Wild Turkeys won 21-2 against the Woodburn team in their first round of the softball tournament in the 2019 Lismore Masters Games today. 

It’s the first day of the three-day Lismore Masters Games at the Albert Park Baseball and Softball Complex in Lismore. 

Wild Turkeys coach Lauren Forrester said the Wild Turkeys won the silver in last year’s Masters Games and are hopeful to do well again this year.

This year, the team have a brand-new player to the sport - Lismore trans-woman Roxy Tickle.

“The star player of the day was definitely Roxy,” Lauren said.

 “She did a double play and had the best throw from third base.

 “It’s like she’s been there for years.”

Roxy Tickle batting.

Roxy said before playing in the Masters Games, she had only played one trial game of softball with the team and had five practice sessions.

“It’s my first competitive sport for 23 years,” Roxy said. 

“I always hated playing male sports in the past. 

“I didn’t like having to go into the male change rooms – but here I feel I belong.

“I burst into tears when I first came onto the field today – I’m meant to be here.

"I realised I had never really belonged anywhere before.

“I love the social chats with the other players and the friendly atmosphere out there.”

The 13 Wild Turkeys players are a mix of players from the Lismore Workers, Byron and Dodgers softball teams.

Belinda Stratford said she was the only member of the Dodgers playing with the Wild Turkeys.

“The Dodgers won Division 2 in last Saturday’s comp,” she said. “We went from last to first.”

Wild Turkeys player Tina Foster said it was the social aspect of playing softball that she loved.

“We have lots of laughs and it’s a friendly competition,” Tina said.

Wild Turkeys players enjoy the social aspects of playing between games.

With numerous games scheduled over the next three days, the team are excited and ready to play their part in the tournament that is one of 16 sports being played in Lismore as part of the Masters Games. 

“Our first game on Saturday will be a by, due to there being 19 teams entered in the competition,” Lauren said.

Anyone can come along to watch the sport being played at Albert Park Baseball and Softball Complex on Keen Street, Lismore.

Games will be played over three days, Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28, from 9-5pm and Sunday September 29, from 9-4pm.

For information and the full program of events, visit www.lismoremastersgames.com.au