With round 11 of the 2019 hockey season played last week, there are now only 6 rounds to go before the finals.
Our senior teams were the only ones in play, and teams are making great efforts to improve their ladder positions and finish this hockey season off well.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Geelong 0-3
What an incredible game all around the field. With two under-14 juniors stepping up for double ups after only having played one senior game in Division Two just a couple of weeks ago, Grace and Charlie did a bang-up job of stepping up to help the Falcons. With injuries and Emma on holidays our midfield was fairly decimated but this was another prime example of our young guns stepping up to do a great job and take on the challenge of matching up against the top of the ladder Geelong. Hailey, Erin, Rach, Charley, Amelia and Nadia followed the lead of hard working, smooth skilled Maggie moving between midfield and forward duties, and for a couple of them a run through the backline. Geelong managed to capitalise on a couple of marking errors and a penalty corner to take a 3-0 lead in the first half.
But the goals stopped there and the second half was scoreless. Commendations to the backline who have been the backbone of practice and who put the last three weeks of focus into play leading to some great use of width, transfering from pressure and support of small play up the sideline. This lead to a much more supported attack. The goals will come!!!
Division 2 Women
Newtown Spirit vs Saints White 2-5
With spirits boosted by good form in recent weeks, and despite last minute changes to the team, Newtown Spirit began well, attacking strongly and controlling the play early in the game. There was plenty of good teamwork, with thoughtful passes to players in good spaces. Maryanne was working well on the left, and was in the right place to put the first goal in the net. Despite great defence by Andie, Hannah and Lauren, and proactive interceptions by Tracey and Bron, Saints managed to sneak one in and even the score. A further goal to Saints did not reduce the effort from Spirit, and Georgie had the final touch in a goal circle scramble to make it 2-2 at half time.
Throughout the game, it was very pleasing to see the great composure and excellent ball control skills from Grace, Charlie, Hannah, Andie and Kirsty. Great running and persistence by Katie, Georgie and Maryanne and well done to Tracey and Bron for always being in the right place to pressure the Saints attacks. Unfortunately, Saints scored 3 goals in the second half, including 2 from penalty strokes.
Senior Men
Newtown Strikers – Bye
Newtown Spirit vs Geelong White 4-0