Round 11 of the Senior hockey season saw some great efforts, despite some teams being severely disadvantaged by lack of players.
Division 1 Men
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Jaguars 1-6
In a game that in no way reflected the score line, both teams had multiple opportunities to score. Unfortunately for the Strikers, Geelong did a better job of slipping past our defences.
That being said, the last few games I’ve been really impressed with the work rate of the whole team and feel that as a group we are definitely improving and are very close to changing these types of losses around. Next week we are up against Torquay’s second Division 1 side so it will give us another chance to test ourselves and hopefully come away with a win.
Newtown Falcons vs Torquay 4-4
With 1 win and 1 loss against Torquay this hockey season, this game promised to be another exciting display of great hockey between the 1st and 2nd placed teams. The game began with a close contest, and scores relatively even early in the game. Torquay took the advantage and edged away to a 4-2 scoreline by half time. However, Falcons regrouped and began to play a fast team game, with accurate passing and great switching, and began to wear Torquay down. Falcons almost stole the game in the last few minutes, but had to be content with a 4-4 draw.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Saints Black 7-1
Newtown Falcons began well and put Saints on the back foot from the first whistle. Emma H controlled the midfield with ease, cutting off many Saints attacks and distributing the ball to running forwards, Georgie, Hailey, Elese and Nicole. Amanda, Jess and Shannon made great space for passes from team mates, receiving the ball well and making effective passes to allow Newtown to move into attack. Emma P, Bec, Ainsley and Kate were calm and controlled in deep defence, rarely letting anything through to the keeper, and working well with team mates to move the ball to Newtown’s advantage. Score at half time was 5-1. Newtown continued to maintain control of the match in the second half, finishing well with the score at 7-1.
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 0-15
Playing against Torquay, the top team in this hockey season, was always going to be a tough ask. But it was made even tougher by some late withdrawals from the team, which left Strikers with only 8 players and no prospect of reinforcement. A fantastic attitude from all the Strikers players saw them go out and give absolutely everything they had.
Shannon continues to show her value as a defender, cutting off many Torquay attacks, and was well backed up by Meg, Penny and Kylie. Deb’s versatility impressed the onlookers, with another fantastic game as keeper, stopping many more shots by Torquay and making some great diving saves. Julie featured, especially in the second half, with some great runs down the right wing, keeping control of the ball to bypass her Torquay opponent right near the side line. Dom and Beth ran hard to make space in the forward line and despite being so outnumbered, Strikers managed to create some forward moves and enter the attacking 25 yards area on a number of occasions. A++ for effort Striekrs.
Division 2 Men
Newtown Spirit vs Bellarine 3-2
Division 2 Women
Newtown Spirit vs Saints Purple 0-0
An excellent game by Spirit with only 10 players, but that didn’t stop the team from putting together some great passages of play. Solid defence by Jacinta, Andie and Penny who met the Saints attacks early to intercept and turn the ball back to Newtown’s advantage. Quick and accurate passes to space by Peta were well picked up by Katie and Kirsty who carried on to attack the goal and put pressure on Saints defenders. There were a number of opportunities and a couple of near misses in front of the goal. Great persistence and 1-2 passing by Kellie, Penny and Katie, with Wendy and Kylie always in the right spot to deny Saints a clear shot. Saints had lots of opportunities in front of goal but accuracy was a problem.
