Getting even closer to the end of the hockey season, and the excitement is building, with our teams keeping the crowds entranced right to the end.
Under 14
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 2-1
Torquay applied great intensity from the first whistle and they had more possession of the ball early in the game. Jamie had a hit from the top of the D in the first minutes which was wide, but overall both teams were evenly matched. Charley gave a great pass off to Harry who weaved through the Torquay defence to score a goal.
The rest of the first half was a tough slog from both teams. Torquay’s one-on-one defence made it difficult for Spirit to have their usual fast-flowing and passing game. There were short corners awarded to both teams but neither could break through for a goal for the remainder of the half.
At half-time, coaches Carl and Darren asked the team to run hard and to be on the run when we are awarded free hits, and in defence to have our sticks down with knees bent.
Torquay came out firing in the second half and with a good pass deep into attack, they goaled to make the score 1-1. Spirit rebounded with a good pass from Jamie to Will but Will’s reverse-stick hit was defended. Torquay then had a series of short corners, all of which Spirit were able to hold off. When Spirit then went forward, they had a few unlucky misses with Claudia perfectly placed on post to receive a pass from Jamie. Jamie’s hit off a short corner went to Ella but the bouncing ball got away from her. Sam, Will and Grace also had some good play up forward where we had a few short corners. Unfortunately we couldn’t convert, and Will’s hit at goal went wide.
With scores locked at 1-1 after the second half, we went into extra time for a golden goal. Spirit immediately went into attack with Harry drawing the Torquay goalie out very far from goals. Harry was able to get the ball out to Jamie who drew a short corner. Ella delivered the short corner out to Jamie who made no mistake, scoring a goal and putting Spirit through to the Grand Final.
It’s sure to be a great contest against Golden Plains and we hope to see a huge crowd cheering for the U14 Spirit team on Saturday.
Under 17
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 0-4
Torquay used pace and space to create attacks from the beginning of the game, with slick passing to switch the play. Spirit defended valiantly, with Oliver and Hudson cutting off many Torquay attacks and stopping shots at goal. They were well backed up by goalkeeper Max who made many saves. The midfield defence of Caleb, Jemma and Cassidy cleared the ball out of deep defence time and again and sent Spirit toward goal.
Some great through passes by Hudson and Oscar found Miles running hard, picking up the ball and threatening the Torquay defence. Great positioning and persistence by Harry, Olivia, Brianna and Emily won the ball for Spirit. Their efforts sent the ball into the forward half and there were some promising advances into attack. There were opportunities from good play in the circle but sticks just failed to connect.
Congratulations to Newtown Spirit on a great effort in this hockey season. Bring on 2018.
Division 1 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Saints 3-1
This was a great game from both teams. Falcons came to play some great hockey, with very good passing, calling and switching the play from one side to the other. This is the type of play the team has been aiming for all this hockey season.
Our first goal came from a variation on a short corner, which Leo scooped into the net and the score was 1-0. Some good running off the ball into space by all the forwards was great to see. There were plenty of attacks from Saints, stopped dead by our goalkeeper, Campbell.
A quick chat at half time and the team were ready to go into the second half with renewed determination. Some great running by Niko earned a penalty stroke, which Sean took, but unfortunately it was saved by the Saints keeper. 10 minutes later, there was another penalty stroke after Tom met with some determined opposition from Saints. Clarke executed successfully and the score was 2-0.
Saints returned to the attack and finished with a goal, 2-1. A quick free hit from Alex to Leo, and passes to Gus, then to Zed got the ball into the circle. A reverse stick hit by Zed under the diving goalkeeper was finished off by Adham who was running to the post, resulting in a fantastic team goal.
A 100% effort by all players, from defence to forward line was fantastic to see, earning the team a well deserved win and passage to the Grand Final. Well done everyone.
Division 2 Men
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 3-2
So we have one more game to go for the hockey season. The Spirit players are playing with great spirit within themselves but they can also see that constructive teamwork is a successful formula. Midfielder Callum McWaters scored the winning goal in the first period of Golden goal time on. A captain’s goal.
The game had been tight, and Torquay had many penalty corners. Many shots were saved by much improved goalkeeper Brodie Birse. Our field goals were set up from defence with skilful link up through midfield and accurate crosses in the scoring circle. This was great work to beat a worthy opponent who deserved to finish on top of the ladder.
Form can be elusive at times. There were moments in the game where doubt could have taken over. However there is a strong work ethic to keep at it. We move on quickly to win the next passage of play. So this was a great effort by all to make the Grand Final. We have now beaten every team in the competition this year.
Relax and enjoy the Grand Final day this week.
Grand Finals This Week
Grand Final Day on Saturday September 16 promises to be a very exciting one for Newtown Hockey Club and a great finish to the 2017 hockey season. We have teams participating in 5 of the 7 Hockey Geelong competitions, so come along and cheer them on. The first match starts at 8.15 am with U12 Newtown Rebels on the field, and the last match for the day features the D1 Men Newtown Falcons at 5.30 pm.
Check the fixture here ……..
