The school holidays mean there are no junior hockey games for this round, but the senior teams showed us some great hockey and some fantastic effort.
Division 1 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Newtown Strikers 9-5
This game was such a good example of skilfull hockey played by both teams. It had passing, switching, calling and most of all, some great goals. Trying to pick which was the best team is very difficult, so its a ‘sitting on the fence’ decision for now.
The two teams matched each other – skill for skill, goal for goal, and it was a great battle of the defences. The standard of play had all the spectators ‘oohing and aahing’ and enjoying the skills on display. Clubmates relished the opportunity to battle their opponent and see who could win out in one play after another.
Half time score was 4-2 to Falcons. The second half saw this great contest continue, with an overall very high level of skills from both teams. Players’ focus on the game was fantastic, with no distractions allowed and just the play in mind. Final score was 9-5 to Falcons, leaving coaches, spectators and even the umpires very impressed with the game and the efforts of the 2 teams, which produced such an enjoyable example of this great game called hockey.
Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Falcons 5-9
The coach was very impressed with the effort shown by the Strikers this week. It was always going to be a tough match against the Falcons and giving them two players to even up numbers and work towards finals qualification meant that at the start of the game we were a player short. Regardless of this, all of the guys put in 110% and through some fantastic team play were able to score a number of goals.
With 7 games left in the season, although we are currently on the bottom of the ladder, there is only 5 points between us and 3rd place. So after the school holidays break we’ll be looking at stepping up our game and having a crack at getting back into the top 4.
Big thanks to Beau and Oli who filled in for us this week. With the way they played I think we’ll be calling upon them to become regulars, just don’t tell Fitzy 🙂
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Torquay 1-6
Torquay’s fast paced game saw them attack from the beginning, putting the defence under pressure. Kylie and Deb earned possession for Newtown with good positioning and great ball control skills. Bec’s calm, controlled play and availability in space allowed Newtown to get the ball out of defence and out of danger on many occasions, sending it foward for Nicole, Jess and Tiahna to work the ball into the attacking circle. There was some great running by Georgie and Elese to make space on the left but without reward for effort. Shannon was playing a pivotal role at centre midfield, blocking many of Torquay’s forward moves and sending the ball to Falcons forwards. Great persistence by Hannah and Kate and quick free passes by the whole team kept up the fast pace of the game. A tendency to follow the ball allowed Torquay to find some spaces to score, but there were also some great interceptions and turnovers created by determined defenders.
In the last 10 minutes of the game, persistence paid off with a flurry of attacks for Falcons and a number of shots at goal, including one successful. Despite the score, this game was not one-sided and there were many positives. Thanks to all those who filled in for this game, an invaluable effort.
Newtown Strikers Bye
Division 2 Men
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 0-5
Torquay’s overall experience and skill were clearly evident from the start. Spirit showed some periods of good hockey creating some great forward moves. However our defence were under constant pressure due to lazy defence in the mid field. Goalie Brodie seemed outnumbered at times. He was supported by backs Gwyn and Don. This result shows we have to work harder off the ball by manning up on players who are likely to cause damage. Half back flankers and mid fielders must choose an opposing forward who is going to be the most threatening. A winger out wide is less of a problem than a loose midfielder near the top of the circle. Communication then between inners and half backs is very important.
Don and Ian will be running the team for the next two games, ably supported by Gordo. If anyone is unavailable you should text/email Gordo.
Division 2 Women
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay Tornadoes 0-3
A fantastic game of hockey by Spirit who were outnumbered by Torquay but gave maximum effort. With some players unavailable or caught up at work, Spirit played the game with 9 players and produced an amazing performance.
With the advantage of numbers, Torquay produced lots of attack but the Spirit defence absorbed the pressure and deflected it on numerous occasions without allowing any damage on the scoreboard. The half line of Jacinta, Kellie and Wendy worked well, and often disrupted the flow of Torquay’s attack just when it seemed that Torquay would penetrate the circle. Great positioning by Beth and Tracey saw the Torquay forwards dispossessed and the ball cleared from danger, providing some forward thrust. Strong hits by Peta sent the ball forward and tireless running by Phoebe and Katelyn collected the ball and carried it into the circle to give Spirit some scoring chances. At one stage a great ball across the face of the goal by Phoebe just needed someone on the other post to tip it into goal.
The second half saw Spirit still under pressure and Eichelle in goals continued her fantastic form, making saves and denying Torquay a score time after time. Katelyn and Phoebe continued to run hard, with Phoebe always willing to put in the last ditch effort to gain the ball. However, tiredness after the maximum effort became a factor, and though the ball reached Spirit’s attacking area a number of times, we were not able to capitalise on the opportunity. Still a great second half, keeping the half time score of 0-2 down to a finishing score of 0-3.
