2014 Hockey Geelong Semi-Finals
Semi-finals for the 2014 season represented a fantastic achievement for the Newtown City Hockey Club. 11 of the Club’s 13 teams at this level finished in the top 4 and were eligible to play in the Finals. 5 of these teams finished the season in first place on the ladder, and were successful in defending this position, moving straight into the Grand Final after playing their Semi-Finals. All players are to be congratulated on their efforts during this season.
Good luck to the 3 teams playing in the Preliminary Finals this week- U17 Maroon, D1 Women, D2 Women Gold.
Under 13
Newtown Maroon vs Golden Plains 6-2
Great start to the Finals campaign for U13 Maroon, with the full team back in action for the Semi-Final. Eneko had loads of energy (fuelled by the barley sugar that was breakfast whilst on the 40 hr famine!!), applying pressure mid field. It was a strong first half with many opportunities in Maroon’s forward, however some finals nerves contributing to a few missed chances at goal. Two were converted however with Tom M, again strong up forward, strongly supported by Amber and Rachel. Declan was really strong on the ball today and an intrinsic part of the success of Maroon to keep the ball forward.
Half time comments by coach Marcus, encouraging players to be decisive with their passing and move the ball quickly. Strong 2nd half despite two goals for GP, most of the play was with Newtown Maroon. Some lovely ball control and defense shown by Miles Rau, Miles Reilley and Jonah McK, several more opportunities to score presented. Tom, Rachel and a lovely touch from Jamie, sealed the victory for Newtown Maroon.
Straight to the Grand Final in a fortnight to play the winner of Torquay vs Golden Plains match next week. Well done Maroon – you’ve proven why you’ve finished top of the ladder.
Newtown White vs Torquay 0-2
Under 15
Newtown Maroon vs Kardinia Blue 1 – 6
The elimination Semi-final for the U15 competition was between Kardina Blue and Newtown Maroon. The game was played in great spirit but it was the hard hitting Kardinia Blue forwards that won the game for them. Our defence, Tom McD, Luke HD and Luka put in a great effort and denied Kardinia many chances. We were without our centre half Hudson and Thomas played very well in that role. The forwards had some excellent passing phases, and Lachlan, who regularly filled in after playing U13s scored our only goal. Thanks so much for a wonderful season, for attending training and listening to David and Peta, and a big thanks to Janette for team managing. Good luck to Newtown White for the Grand Final.
Newtown White vs Kardinia Maroon 2-1
This weeks Semi-finals match was a closely contested game, the intensity was high and Kardinia were very competitive. What a great win this week, it truly was a team effort seeing all team members contribute. Goal scorers: Jimmy 1, Nathan 1. Well done to all, bring on the Grand Final!!!
Under 17
Newtown Maroon vs Kardinia 2-10
Newtown Maroon’s first final saw us playing Kardinia, at full strength with Mack and Ryan. Kardinia started strongly converting 2 short corners early in the game and then 2 more field goals by Ryan before we had worked out how to run the ball wide up the wings. Thomas and Tess started to receive and move the ball into the D and were unlucky not to score. Gus and Jack were battling Ryan in the mid field but he continued to reach the D and have several shots on goal stopped by Will. We were improving our team play and moved the ball well around most other Kardinia players until Mack or Ryan intercepted. Gus made one of his usual great runs into the D and scored late in the first half. Baiden and Amy worked hard all game in defence and Will had a great game in Goals but were really only beaten by 2 players all game. Patrick passed hard and fast along the line most of the game and one break into the D resulted in our 2nd short corner for the game It was encouraging to see us convert it through Gus and the final score finished at 10-2.
Newtown White vs Saints 2-3
Whites began the Semi-Finals strongly with solid passing and tackling and keeping possession putting pressure on the Saints defence. A fast paced game, the ball changing ends quickly and a lovely long pass by Kelly from left wing going past the face of goal for a chance, but Whites’ forwards not able to get there in time. Despite some brilliant defending by Beth and goalie Brodie, Saints were able to get the opening goal late in the half. Whites were taking every opportunity with Dan, Adam, Alex, Baden and Sean covering the middle of the field cutting off Saints’ attacks, backed up well by Lachie and Miles, and Amy doing another fantastic job on right wing. Courtney and Andoni in great position the left side, trapping and fending off tackles to help keep the ball in the attacking half. Saints advanced again, and a deflection from Brodie followed by a scramble around goal – a second goal to Saints just before half time. A change of pace in the second half with Alex and Miles running in to space, making leads and pushing through but without success. Great skill and tactical play by Sean, rewarded to finally bang in a goal. Soon after a short corner pass to Baden and another goal to Sean and the scores were level! Whites were still in the game with the prospect of extra time but with only seconds to go, Saints were able to score a season ending goal for Newtown. Unlucky to win this one but congratulations to all players for a great last game.
Division 1 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Saints Black 3-2
The Falcons defeated Saints Black 3 / 2 during extra time in the Division 1 Semi-Finals match on Sunday at Stead Park. In another close game against the Saints the Falcons scored the first goal of the game when Mack made a long midfield pass to James in the circle who converted with a tomahawk to the bottom right hand corner of the net.
Early in the second half the Falcons were awarded a penalty stroke. Will made the most of the opportunity to give the Falcons a comfortable 2 nil lead. The Saints continued to apply pressure finally resulting in two quick field goals to lock the scores at 2 all.
The game went into extra time and continued to be a tight and competitive affair. Then at the seventeen minute mark Hamish picked up the ball from the left wing position, carried the ball across to the centre 16 yard line and passed the ball into the circle resulting in a penalty corner. Will took possession of the ball from the push out and with a clean and powerful drag flick put the ball into the back of the net to notch up his second goal for the game and the golden goal to seal the quarter final win for the Falcons.
Next week the Falcons have a well deserved break and will play the winner between Torquay and the Saints in the Division 1 Grand Final.
Division 2 Men
Newtown White vs Saints 1-1
Newtown Men’s Division 2 side met Saints in the Semi-Finals on the weekend. The game was played at the same time as the Division 1 Newtown Men’s game on the ground next door. What an even game this Division 2 final turned out to be. Both teams held each other off until Newtown scored through a short corner variation. Nik was able to push the ball past the Saints goalies’ right side from near the left post for us to go 1 goal up. It wasn’t long though before Saints were able to convert the pressure they were applying into a goal to equalise with rapturous cheers from their bench. After that, both sides played equally well in defence until the full time siren went with the score locked at 1 -1.
In extra time Saints started with the ball and didn’t turn it over until they had had several attempts at goal from long corner hits. Brodie played very well in goal and kept rebounding the Saints attempts. The backline and midfield also contributed to this by not allowing any easy shots on goal. Newtown were able to withstand the attack and by the time we changed sides again possession was more balanced with Newtown however failing to convert some opportunities on goal. The final whistle meant Newtown go straight through to the grand final as a result of being number one on the ladder at the end of the season. We find out Sunday night who will challenge us when Saints play Torquay for the other spot in the Men’s Division 2 Grand Final.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Bellarine 0-5
Division 2 Women
Newtown Maroons vs Golden Plains 2- 1
A strong start in the Semi-finals campaign with Maroons setting up a lot of attacks early. Strong on the wing was Sarah who made some great moves. New position for Bron as inner saw a great pass into the circle to be finished off by Nicola to get Maroons on the board. Defence were under fire but the welcome return of Hilary along with Andy saw Golden Plains’ attempts slowed down.
The second half saw Golden Plains step up a gear with fast plays along the wings. Jacinta played doggedly to thwart many advances and Edna came out powering to take out play. Golden Plains made a break and an unmarked player scored.
With scores locked at 1-1 we went into extra time. The game evenly switched ends, the spectators were on the edge of their seats and both teams had equal chances. A quick break in play saw Katey smash through 2 minutes before the end. A great game from all Maroons. Off to the grand final!
Newtown Gold v Saints 2-0
A terrific Semi-Finals game from Gold this week to keep our season alive. We had not managed to defeat Saints during the season, but a goal from Dom in the first few minutes and another to Meredith later in the half gave us a handy early lead which we managed to defend for the rest of the game. Terrific pressure from everyone made it difficult for Saints to move the ball forward easily and our defenders once again did a great job, preventing Saints from registering a score (including at least one great save from Penny on the goal line). Great passing out from defence and through the midfield also resulted in plenty of circle entries and several short corner opportunities – although our failure to convert any of these opportunities will ensure it’s a big focus for us at training this week. Overall a great team game this week which should give us confidence for our Preliminary final on Sunday.
