Round 4 of the hockey season was another week with some fantastic hockey at all levels of the Club’s teams.
Kookas
There were 3 teams playing this game and while it seemed that Team Mosquitoes would win, both Team Orange and Team Red persevered and showed some excellent switching and accurate passing. Welcome to Tom, who joined his cousin Ebony, and like Ebony, showed great skills for his first game of hockey. Good efforts by Emily to cut off opposition passes with stick on the ground and focus on the ball. Braydn did a great job in both attack and defence, showing his improving skills and game concentration. Charlie worked hard as usual, making good runs and creating space to receive the ball in.
Saturday Social
A great game of Saturday Social hockey this week, with Georgia and Chris joining us for a game. Rachel and Ruby worked well together in a hard to beat mother/ daughter combination. With Sam and Zen on opposite teams, there was a bit at stake in the tackles and the honours were fairly even at the end of the game. Cassie and Charlotte had great communication and some great running to space opened up the play for some nice attacks.
Under 6 Joeys
Great work again by our U6 players, showing some good skills and ball control. Great scanning when dribbling and now moving on to accurate passing.
Under 8
Newtown Raiders vs Torquay Tornadoes
Well done to everybody on another great game. It was a tough match with 3 of our players unable to make it this week but we still did an awesome job! Thank you to Stella who joined our team, helping us to field a side! Well done to Charlie and Jesse who did a fantastic job in the centre and goal keeping. Oscar did a superb job on the wing – not only trying to bring the play into the forward line but also helping to stop several attempts at goal. He managed to play on after being struck on the hand by another player’s hockey stick!
Lily and Stella did a great job on the wing supporting our Centre and Goalkeeper. Chloe also demonstrated some good ball skills in the backline. It is great to see everybody improve individually each week.
Congratulations to Jesse for being awarded the Subway player of the match! Jesse’s concentration on the ball in the last 15min of the second half made a big difference to the whole game.
Newtown Spirit vs Kardinia Kangaroos
Spirit had to dig deep defensively during a crowded encounter against the enthusiastic Kardinia Kangaroos in Under 8 action at Lloyd Reserve on Saturday. While a constant huddle of players around the ball made for a messy game, Spirit worked hard to shut down opposition assaults on goals. With Michael and Baxter standing strong in full back, the duo managed to thwart many goal attempts. On one occasion Michael calmly and cleanly stopped a hard hit just in front of the goals, clearing it from the danger zone for his team despite the pressure. Drew, at left half back, was another key defender right from the starting whistle while Avah showed her customary skill in intercepting the ball, looking for teammates and then passing it on. Juliette kept to her position out wide at right wing, giving her teammates a great option to open up the play.
At half time Coach Kellie urged her young charges to bypass the muddle in the middle by passing out wide, rather than restricting themselves to the congested central corridor. She asked Spirit to use their voices, keep their eye on the ball and only use the flat side of the stick. Kardinia Kangaroos sprang into action the minute play resumed, taking the ball swiftly into their attacking zone and that’s where it remained for much of the game. Summah and Avah, playing as full backs, withstood strong pressure from the Roos and repelled the ball to safety time and again. Summah put in a sterling game, standing strongly in front of the opposition and never backing down. She didn’t waste time when taking free hits either, remembering to send the ball wide where it was picked up by players including Juliette.
Centre half back Pollyanna got amongst the defensive action in the circle and battled hard to clear the ball. There was also a lovely passage of play triggered by Drew, who cleanly directed the ball out left to a running Michael. Michael, with Pollyanna in support, launched himself into attack in one of the few fast breaks by Spirit in the second half while Braydn provided options at centre forward. After the game ended Coach Kellie praised her team for their strong defence and their efforts to direct play out wide. While applauding lovely play by Michael and Avah, she awarded the Subway Best Team Player award to Summah, saying it was the best game she’d ever seen the youngster play. Good work Spirit and well done Summah.
Newtown Rebels Bye
Newtown Strikers vs College White
Strikers this week fielded a full team and as a result gave up a player to support the Newtown Raiders who were a little short, huge thanks Stella. College fronted up with an army of players that resulted in a substantial bench and many player changes for them. The Strikers played a very attacking game this week with most of the game played in Newtown’s centre and forward lines. In the first half the boys (Will and Alex) attacked well with support from Eliza and Isabella in the centre. The backs however saw little of the ball. In the second half Darren alternated the positions which saw the girls have a go at attacking. Matilda and Lucy in forward did well attacking with a few shots on goal, and Matilda scoring after some great passing from the centres. This week Strikers held their positions well, some great dribbling and very strong passing into attack. Alex won the Subway Encouragement award and Assistant Coach Harry Bradbury umpired the whole game single-handedly. Well Done Team.
Under 10 South
Newtown Spirit vs Geelong College 3-0
Half time heard Kellie saying “loving your work” with excellent linking of play. One of the linkages saw a pass from Nate to Meyah to score Spirit’s first goal. There was praise for keeping eyes on the opposition but we had to use our voices better by saying “I’ve got it” and then making sure we had an awareness of where the other players were. Kellie talked about how the opposition had some strong and long pushes and wanted us to work on that in the next half with lowering our stance as we moved into a push. Otherwise she was really happy and was enjoying watching the spirit play.
The second half saw Max make a solo dash from before the half line right into the goal area, avoiding the opposition. It was very fast with great control of the ball and a shot a goal which unfortunately saw the goal post deflect it. There was a big cheer from the crowd. Kellie praised the strong tackling. But there where times when everyone was at the ball……we needed to think about being the player who was not on the ball and being out of the tackle so we could be the one that players could pass to. Subway award went to Seb and Best Team Player award went to Meyah – 2 goals and always in the play!
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 0-16
Well done to Torquay who out played us on the day and took advantage of all opportunities. Amber was set the task of goal keeper and was under pressure right from the start of the game. She saved multiple attacks on goal through out the game. Isabel, Ruby, Jai and Isla made up the front line and made some good passes. Thamindu and Amelia assisted Amber in defensive roles. Alex and Anna rotated from the wings to present options from passing wide and Brandon was the roving player from the game. Elliott and Eliza May covered a great amount of the field throughout the game.
At half time we discussed taking our free shots quickly by looking to the umpire when the whistle is blown to see who the ball has been awarded to. Also make sure to pass ball to the wings and not to the centre. During a free pass make sure to pick an opposing playing and stand in front of them. Thamindu and Amelia both sustained ball injuries in the closing minutes of the game. Amber was awarded Best Team Player for all her work in goals and Thamindu the Subway Award for never giving up and returning to the field after being injured.
Under 12
Newtown Spirit vs Geelong College 6-1
Spirit had a fantastic game this week with some brilliant play by all the team. This week it felt like the team has clicked and have shaken out the cobwebs from the summer period. It was such a great match to watch. Maggie stepped into goals this week and for the first half I think she was a little cold due to much of the play being in our forward line. From the very beginning it seemed that spirit had their fame face on and were out to score some goals. We even had what seemed to be an extra forward this week as Angus was playing the highest full back position I have ever seen. Peter soon had him back where he belonged! Both our full backs made sure the ball hardly passed by them and very quickly had the ball back up to our forwards through the inners and wings.
Mia managed to find the goal 3 times thanks to some brilliant balls from her team mates. Angus also scored 3 goals with one coming off a brilliant short corner. Angus pushed the ball out to Oliver who then passed it back to Angus who at this stage had stepped right next to the goal post and slotted the ball in behind the goalie. Great team work despite being brothers! Maggie had a bit more work in the second half as I think we were getting a little tired and they managed to score once while maggie and Liam saved a certain couple more.
Well done to all the Spirit players. It was great to have the Whelan’s back who certainly played like they had not had a break!
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 4-3
A close and hard fought match by the Strikers to take the win against Torquay. It was great to see some of the skills being taught at training being utilised throughout the game. Tom was our rock in defence stopping the ball and flat passing out wide to his teammates. Alice started the game in left half back playing good defence. Later in the game she played right wing using the triangle format effectively with Jack and Archie. Ruby was strong in the centre keeping her stick flat when trapping the ball, always a reliable player. Goal scorers were Rory scoring 2 in the first half and Jack scoring 2 in the second half. Well done team!
Newtown Rebels vs Bellarine Thunder 2-0
Rebels put on a strong performance this week, beating Bellarine Thunder 2-0. Kiah’s sharpshooting skills were on display scoring both goals early in the game. Despite the ball being in Rebels’ attacking end for most of the game, Rebels were unable to score again due to a tight Thunder defence. Excellent hustle from Adele, Imogen and Mai to keep the ball in the forward line put constant pressure on Thunder. There was some heat on the ball in the ‘D’ with strong fast unselfish passes that required equally skilful ball control by the receiver. Pat showed some excellent movement and control through congestion almost pulling off two further goals.
More pressure was placed on the Rebels defence in the second half. At half time, AJ had asked for more switches from the midfield to open the Thunder defence. The players responded with switches from Sam and Pat to Lachlan and Luca allowing the ball to be moved quickly by Basyl and Brandon out of harms away and back into attack. The quick switches allowed several scoring opportunities with Teijai and Kiah unlucky not to score due to a very strong Thunder last line of defence. Rebels showed some real improvement this week using angles and switches to their advantage. Well done to Isobel who tried her hand as goalie!!!
Under 14
Newtown Spirit vs Golden Plains 1-1
Newtown Spirit played Golden Plains on Saturday. Spirit being undefeated were a big target for the winless Golden Plains team, and they came out firing. Golden Plains had speed through the centre which game them many attacking opportunities, but with the return of our regular goalie, Max, and some great defending from Ella, Ely, Max, Riley, Will and Grace, Spirit kept those attacks at bay. Charley and Harry looked dangerous in attack but Golden Plains seized the ball and put a score on the board. Golden Plains followed up shortly after with a short corner but couldn’t convert. Spirit kept their nerve and with a long corner, were able to get through Golden Plains’ defenders and Jamie scored a nice goal to level scores 1-all.
The coach’s instructions at half-time were not to crowd the forwards by keeping the ball wide, to concentrate on firm, accurate hits, and to prevent Golden Plains’ fast breaks particularly through the centre. The team took this advice in and in the second half there was more use of the wings with Will, Harley, Charley and Grace moving the ball up on the left, and Riley, Nick, Bailey and Claudia running hard with the ball on the right. Golden Plains’ fast breaks continued to be disrupted by Ella, and Max defended a few certain goals to keep Golden Plains scoreless in the second half. Spirit almost had a repeat of last week with a few short corners late in the second half, but this week we couldn’t convert. It was another exciting game that ended in a 1-all draw, and while Golden Plains sits low on the ladder we wouldn’t be surprised to see them feature in the finals.
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 1-3
A great first half by Strikers to keep Torquay goaless.
Under 17
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers 0-4
Spirit had two early opportunities on goal via short corners but weren’t able to convert, unlike Strikers who managed to score from their first short corner. Strikers’ second goal came soon after following a free hit in the Spirit half and some loose defence around the D.
Despite the half time score, the Spirit players were not despondent and held the majority of possession early in the 2nd half, but weren’t able to penetrate the Strikers defence close to goal. Spirit were playing high to put pressure on the opposition goal, but were found exposed when a length of the field counterattack resulted in a 3rd goal for Strikers. Spirit appeared to lose any momentum they had built early in the half and Strikers were able to score a 4th goal soon after. A gallant effort by all in the face of strong competition and a big thanks to Harry and Max from U14 for helping out.
Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Spirit 4-0
Strikers played a fantastic game of hockey. It was great to see them bounce back after last week’s loss to Torquay. Corey and Callum created an impenetrable defence once again. Ollie was also back making it very difficult for Spirit to get through to the defensive 25. Up forward, Sam had a couple of near misses, including one hitting the post. Erin had a dominant game up forward scoring two goals and setting Callum up for one as well. One of Erin’s goals was scored from a well planned set play from a short corner which is becoming a recurring theme.
Thanks to the U14’s (Ella, Will and Jamie) who filled in and and not only helped our regulars to maintain fresh legs to run out the game but also made valuable contributions in their own right; you are all welcome to play with us again!
Division 1 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Geelong Jaguars 8-1
Superhero Round. Nick Fury (Coach) gathered his forces to do battle with the mighty villains of planet 12347 in the far off galaxy of Geelong.
The Superheroes came to play against the Mighty Villains in a game of hockey. The game started well with Iron-Man (Lachie) using his jet propeller to switch the ball from one side to the other. He was well backed up by Captain America (Sean), spinning his stick to his mates on the forward line. Hawkeye (Pat) also sent his shot whistling to the forwards. It wasn’t long before Daredevil (Hamish) scored with a nice shot from a short corner. The Mighty Villains struck back and from open play got one past the Hulk (Campbell) to even the score at 1-1. There was plenty of one to one passing and calling, and the Falcon (Clarke) swooped on to a pass and put the ball in the goal. Score 2-1 at half time.
The second half saw many attacks by the Mighty Villains but they came to nothing, thanks to the Hulk, Iron-Man, Captain America, Hawkeye, Falcon and Blade (Nick P). Lots of switching, passing and calling gave our forward line hope. Deadpool (Adham) had the crowd oohing and aahing, with his fast running and funny jokes. The forwards were well backed up by Ant-Man (Nic M) and Thor (Zed) with his mighty thunder stick. Blade scored twice from open play, and then Black Panther (Elgan) set up Deadpool for another goal from open play. Deadpool scored a hat trick with his third goal coming from a hard drive in front of the keeper and in it went. Daredevil had a second shot on the top of the circle, and ended with 2 goals for the game. Star Lord (Jimmy) got in on the act with many moves across the front of the field.
Coach Nick Fury was mighty pleased with a fantastic effort from his team.
Newtown Strikers vs Saints Black 0-5
We knew that Saints would come at us hard and they didn’t disappoint, the game was played at a fast pace with both teams mounting a number of attacking plays. Unfortunately, even though both teams were relatively evenly matched, the Saints midfield were able to overrun our defensive efforts a number of times resulting in the 5 goals scored.
Brodie made a number of great saves with support from Jimmy and our movement out of defense through Carl, Pete, Corey and Tom meant that Thomas, Jonah, Hudson, Hamish and Alex were able to force Saints back onto the defensive. Big thanks to Ian for being our super sub and helping run the bench. Funnily enough we had a similar start to last season so games like this will be a great baseline to see how much we have improved over the course of this season.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Newtown Strikers 3-1
Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Falcons 1-3
Strikers had a really positive game against Falcons on Sunday. The whole match was relatively even with both sides having good procession of the ball. Strikers had some strong runs down the wing with Elese taking it from the back half, getting past everyone and hitting a beautiful goal in the top left corner to make it one all.
Our defence was much better this week with players being manned up but unfortunately a couple of fumbles in the back defence saw Falcons score 2 more goals. All in all we are working well as a team and getting to know how we all play and we will only improve as the season progresses.
Division 2 Men
Newtown Spirit vs Golden Plains 1-1
Division 2 Women
Newtown Spirit vs Golden Plains 2-8
Having some interchange players provided Spirit with some good running in the first half, and the first part of the game was relatively even. Golden Plains created numerous attacks, but these were well defended by Kellie, Beth, and Rachael. Good co-operation between Rachael and Erin saw the ball moved down the right side of the field to Katie and lifted our spirits with some accurate passing. A nice square pass in the circle by Kirsty saw Katie latch on to the ball with a goal the result.
The second half again saw some pleasing passages of play with Lauren, Jacinta and Deanne showing good teamwork and purposeful passing. Good marking in most cases limited Golden Plains’ successful attempts in the circle. At one stage the score was 2-4. However, the last part of the second half saw Golden Plains become more dominant and more effective, finding space in the circle to end the game with a score of 2-8.
