Match reports this week show how tough we hockey players are!!! In absolutely freezing and wet conditions for most of the weekend, our players still got out there and gave their best efforts, and there was some fantastic hockey on display. Congratulations to all on your perseverance, grit and determination!!!
Under 8
Newtown Spirit v College White
Spirit added three goals to its season’s tally after a strong performance against College White at the weekend. The team went into its latest round of under-8 competition with six players after Nate and Rubén agreed to bolster numbers in another Newtown team at King Lloyd Reserve.
With much of the play initially concentrated in the middle of the ground, half backs Charlie and Max frustrated the opposition by halting many of College’s efforts to move forward while left wing Meyah made several solid traps. It was also encouraging to see how quickly Spirit reacted when College made a dangerous break towards goal. Several Spirit players rushed back to help Matilda, fullback, defend her turf.
The College push seemed to galvanise Spirit into action and the team switched to attack mode.
Charlie and Meyah created opportunities down the left of the field and the team also combined beautifully on several occasions, with passages of linking play that were great to watch. A standout example started with Charlie, went to Meyah, back to Charlie and then across to a well-positioned Phoebe at right wing for a shot towards goal.
Finally their hard work paid off. Max, capitalising on a pass from Charlie, scored for Spirit. Max followed up with another great goal after a strong, clean run just before the whistle sounded for half time. Coach Kellie applauded her team’s efforts at the break, instructing them to keep talking on the field and to respond quickly to College free hits.
After a player reshuffle Spirit went out to their new positions hungry for more goals. But College stepped up a gear too. Max, now in full back, calmly and capably repelled a fast break by College and fired the ball out to the right towards Charlie on the wing. The second half, which saw College goal, was characterised by solid teamwork within Spirit’s ranks, with centre Matilda, left half Meyah and right half Phoebe combining well. Avah, lurking dangerously at left wing, threw herself into the action too. Meyah was in her element, defending hard and consistently pushing forward into attack. Charlie, Phoebe and Matilda were all in with a chance to score, battling strongly in front of the goals before Meyah capably added another goal to Spirit’s tally.
Coach Kellie told her charges after the game she was impressed with their teamwork and marking in the second half. She awarded the Best Team Player award to Max for his consistent effort and determination. Excellent work Max and top job Spirit!
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay Tornadoes
The 11th of July saw the AEAEA (Alexandra, Emma, Amelia, Eliza, Amy) Minkey Strikers take the field. Undaunted by having only 5 players we saw some great team work that has developed over the year, and isn’t it great that all of them are eligible for Minkey next year! There was so much great play it was really hard to choose the Best Team Player. Emma and Alexandra each played last line of defence for half a game and were great at staying between the run of play and the goal to make scoring difficult. Amelia covered so much ground and got in front of the opposition time and time again, Amy made great position and showed determination in the face of all odds. Emma has become a champion during the season by calling for the ball from the wing & Alexandra tackled fearlessly despite a training incident during the week. However this week the standout was Eliza; she made great position, tackled the opposition and followed up her own forward passes, in addition she returned to the field after being hit across the knuckles. All in all great team work girls.
Newtown Rebels vs Torquay
Thanks to Ruben and Nate for helping out the Rebels team and bolstering their numbers. The cold weather made things very difficult but our players began to run well, and with some great passing were able to enjoy their game. Great work by Amarlie in her first game.
Under 11
Newtown Rebels vs Geelong College 3-0
A great game was played with everyone being well rested and in good spirits after a week’s break. Even though we had a very tense start to the game, our team stuck to the game plan and maintained their positions well. Harry, Flynn, Basyl, Claire, Locke, Taylah and Bailey showed some good tackling skills and passed the ball well to create an opportunity for Declan to score his first goal for the season! The Rebels didn’t relax and kept the pressure on the Geelong College team forcing them to concede a short corner where Harry did his famous shoot scoring a fantastic goal for the Rebels just before half time.
Charlotte as Goal keeper and Luca & Ezekiel in defence did some great work which not only made it hard for our opponents to score any goals but also supported the forward line with their timely clearances. There was a great move in the second half by Flynn, Basyl, Zoe, Claire and Taylah resulting in Flynn scoring a marvellous goal from the top of the circle which boosted our score to 3-Nil.
There was good effort from everyone in this game which forced the team management to give Best Team Player Awards to 3 players this time: Harry for his excellent tackling and strong & firm passes to the forward line, Flynn for his good dribbling and passing that resulted in spectacular moves and Declan for being most improved player and scoring an excellent goal to get us the lead. Let’s keep up the good work Rebels!
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers 0-1
The Spirit played the Newtown Strikers on the weekend. This game saw the kids playing in ‘true’ hockey weather. I think they have been spoilt up until now! A few of the newer players were a little shocked that we were still to play despite the weather but they did well to see it through.
With 7 players not being able to play, we borrowed Nate and Matilda from the Minkeys and Amity from the under 11’s. Despite the assistance it was still a tough game. The Strikers certainly had some strength up forward but our defence did well to hold them to one goal. Some great keeping from Ely also helped enormously.
Some great hitting out of the back line from Angus brought the ball forward well and created some great opportunities for us with Phoenix waiting in the wings. But we were unlucky not to convert.
The second half was a stronger half with more use of the ‘wide’ pass and more short corners coming our way. Harry played his position well and assisted in getting the ball into our circle where Gus tried to convert but again with no luck. Despite the weather and the result the Spirit should be very proud of their game. Best Team Players for this week were Harry and Phoenix. Well done.
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers
Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Spirit 1-0
A great friendly game between the Strikers and Spirit, albeit a cold and wet one! Scores were level at half time and, although we had plenty of the forward play, we were unable to convert until late in the game when Harry scored to claim a 1-0 victory for the Strikers. Great running and teamwork by all, with Amelia and Samuel appropriately taking out the Best Team Player Awards this week for their hard work.
Under 13
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers 0-8
Even though well beaten by a much stronger side the team never gave up and continued trying. In the fist half the side had many chances with Oscar, Miles & Declan creating many opportunities. In the latter stages great defence by both Angus’ & Will helped goalie James stop many attacks. After half time Maya, Isabel, Claudia, Harry & Sam kept running and creating chances for the forwards. A good team effort.
Under 15
Newtown Spirit vs Kardinia 6-0
Newtown Spirit U15 played in wet and freezing conditions on Saturday against Kardinia. Winning 6 nil, the team displayed fantastic resolve in the tough conditions while parents did their best to keep the interchange bench warm! We bid farewell to Amber and Bronte for the remainder of the season as they both take up a fabulous opportunity to take part in a leadership programme that runs through to the end of term. See you when you both return and thanks ever so much for the efforts and your performance and attitude on an off the field.
Newtown Strikers vs Saints 5-0 (forfeit by Saints)
Under 17
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia Storm 4-0
Despite a 4 week break, the U17 Strikers were back and didn’t miss a beat, continuing to play very strongly. Kardinia were heavily crowding our forward circle in the first half making it difficult to score. However we started to score a few goals after changing our tactic to open up more space by dragging their defenders out of the circle. Once again, Bronte showed how valuable it is to have a forward on the post getting another deflection that resulted in a goal. Our defence played a very disciplined game with very few circle penetrations by Kardinia, causing goalie Luka to find creative ways to keep himself warm in the freezing cold weather.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Strikers v Bellarine 0-8
Another tough game for the Strikers, made tougher by very harsh conditions – it poured for the whole game and was bitterly cold. Even the umpires didn’t want to return to the field after half time and we had to coax them away from the warmth of the club rooms to resume play. Given the conditions, we were pretty impressed that there were not too many tumbles and that we managed to maintain a grip on our seriously slippery sticks. We did not, unfortunately, manage to maneuver the ball into the goal, although we did create a few opportunities late in the game. Great to have Jen playing in the goals for us for the first time this season, and she saved many a goal attempt from Bellarine. In the end, Bellarine dealt with the conditions better than we did and secured a comfortable victory. Onto next week ladies …
Newtown Falcons vs Geelong 4-2
Division 1 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Saints Red 6-0
A beautiful day for hockey with cold gusty winds and constant rain for the game between Falcons and Saints Red. We had to call up a couple of Spirit players from the game before to make up 12 but it didn’t affect the outcome of the game, with the Falcons controlling the game and not allowing the Saints players time nor space to make any successful attacks, we held the majority of the possession and with numerous, numerous attacks, Falcons ended up with a solid 6-0 win.
Goals to Lauchlan C (1), Sean (3), Luke H (1) & Alex (1)
Division 2 Women
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Rebels 0-3
The chill in the air did little to stop an action packed game against Rebels. Rebels scored an unbelievable goal in the first few minutes but soon settled to keep an even balance to the game. Spirit’s defence were under a lot of pressure but rose to the challenge with magnificent saves from Edna in goals and her trustworthy backs Sharon and Jan.
The star of the match was Amber with her frequent runs in attack and she was well supported with Deb, Kirsty and Nicola. Peta Hanley surged through with a few power plays to threaten the rebel defence with Pam and Jacinta providing valuable assistance. Despite the score, an even match as we did have just as many scoring opportunities.
Newtown Rebels vs Newtown Spirit 3-0
A fantastic game by Rebels with players showing great teamwork and use of space, combined with determination to get to the ball early. A great pass by Jenny down the right wing to Erin W and an equally great pass across to Marion in perfect position saw the first goal scored. Chloe and Erin S worked really well together on the left with Meg in support, and quick passing combinations with Marion were able to create many attacks. Great defence by Tracey and Colleen cut off many of Spirit’s forward moves and great outlets created by Erin W created counter attacks. Jenny again was instrumental in forward moves, putting pressure on the opposition and we had a number of moves reach the attacking circle. Marion scored again, and Kellie finished off after following in on the rebound. Excellent work by all.
Division 2 Men
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay Tornadoes 1-1
In a thrilling game between the current top placed Division 2 Mens teams, although Newtown were able to go a goal up in the first half we weren’t able to stop Torquay scoring in the second resulting in a draw. A great team effort by all involved, giving us an idea of the level of hockey that will be required in the fast approaching finals.
