We are now well and truly on the path to the end of another hockey season, and the senior teams were out to improve their finals chances.
Division 1 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Torquay Tornadoes 9-4
The Falcons had a game of two halves on the weekend. In the first half we went goal for goal with Torquay Tornadoes with them scoring every time we looked like pressing ahead. Some loose defence resulted in free players for Torquay getting some easy opportunities. The score at half time was 4-3.
At half time the team spoke about tightening up on defence, using the ball, playing as a team and playing positive strong hockey. The second half saw Torquay score an early goal but then it was all Newtown. We stepped up and started to get back to the type of hockey we know we can play. The ball movement was excellent, passing the ball early, using each other and players working hard off the ball. This resulted in 5 goals straight with Gus Mc on fire with 4 goals. Tom C played his first game for the Falcons and was part of some lovely passages of play resulting in several goals. He almost scored a couple of goals himself. Well done Tom.
The second half was a great team effort and we look forward to carrying that momentum into our next game against the Saints. Alex B was IGA Player of the Round.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Geelong 2-1
Lady Falcons added another check to the win column in a tightly contested 2-1 win v Geelong who are currently top of the table. Team talk pregame again included going over names.
Falcons put together one of their better games so far this hockey season. School holidays allowed some players to recover from injuries to come back into the lineup, plus two double ups from Division 2 (thank you Katie and Kellie) and we had a bench that lasted the whole game. In what was one of our best passing games, Falcons managed to get some consistent passages of attack pressure and created free play goal. We were very close to having a few more get to the back of the net, but will be happy to have them convert in the games to come. Defence were solid, keeping penalty corners to a minimum and when necessary Zoe stood strong and tall. Well done ladies.
IGA Player of the Week Award to Penny Beckworth.
Division 2 Men
Newtown Spirit vs Saints White 1-6
Division 2 Women
Newtown Spirit vs Geelong 0-2
Newtown Spirit continues to improve each week, and although the scoreboard was not to our liking, the game was very much to our liking. Spirit began the game well, with many attacks reaching the circle as a result of excellent co-operation between defence and mifield. Solid defence and great positioning by Tracey, Andie and Hillary saw us gain possession, and quick free hits and good vision by Peta moved the play forward, using team mates in space in attack. Kellie, Emma and Katie continually chased and pressured the opposition when they had the ball and we won many short corners. Unfortunately, none of them resulted in a score. Georgie and Sarah both controlled the ball well on the forward line and co-operation with Jessie and other team mates resulted in many shots at goal from field play. Unfortunately again, none of these scored but there were a number which missed by very narrow margins. Great effort by all players, with the remaining matches promising some exciting games.
