Under 8 Mixed
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers
This was an excellent game with players from both teams spreading out well and making great passes to team mates in space. Quick movement of the ball saw the play move forward and provide great opportunities for scoring. Heidi in defence was always in good position and aware of the options for passing to team mates, with clearing balls out of danger. Great ball control and controlled passing by Mitchell was well supported by Lucas and Immy in the midfield. Determined play and second efforts by Kyra, Nina and Olivia saw Spirit gain possession and work together well.
Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Spirit
With a cold, crispy morning, Maggie did an excellent warm up, revving the U8 Strikers up for a big game against Spirit. With fingers like icicles, the Strikers started with great enthusiasm and energy. There was some excellent passing between Oscar and Georgia, moving the ball down the field incredibly well. Both Oscar and Georgie scored goals. The team effort and encouragement was excellent with Casper and Cate playing fantastic games – they both passed well and tackled strongly. Strikers should be very proud of their efforts against the home club rivals.
Keep up the great approach Strikers!
Under 10 Mixed
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 2-2
Newtown Spirit vs Kardinia 0-2
In a great effort with only 10 players, Newtown Spirit continues to improve each week, with a 2 goal improvement compared to our first game against Kardinia. Solid defence again by Lilly and Pat with Poppy, Maia and Ellie stopping many Kardinia attacks in midfield before they reached the circle. Hard work by Ved and Lucy as inners helped push the ball forward into attack, and with more passing to the wings Spirit were able to create attacks. There were a couple of near misses in front of goal, without a result as yet, but it’s not far away. Great work by Hamish, Will and Olive on the forward line saw some nice sequences of play.
Under 12 Mixed
Newtown Spirit vs Geelong Jaguars 3-0
A lovely bit of weather for our hockey game this week. Before the game Kurt had a good warm up session with the team, working on the kids passing to a lead, and taking shots on goal.
The kids put the practice into action today, with some hard running, and spreading out in the game. This saw some immediate impact, with many forward thrusts, and linking up play. Our defence was again strong, with Kashvi and Audrey doing a great job intercepting the balls early and moving the ball wide. Will chipping in to lend a hand and pushing us back into attack, while also providing pressure in the middle. We moved the ball much wider this week, which was great to see, with Oliver, Jett and Ivy all working hard to provide these options.
Some great link up ball movement through the middle by Valentina, Matilda, Zac and Michael provided us with multiple forward thrusts. Charlotte was quick to rebound the ball back into attack from any turnovers. Valentina did some great work through the middle, passing to players in space. Passing to players in space was a highlight for Spirit today, which resulted in good ball movement down the field.
Jacob was our goalie, and I think he was enjoying the extra layers of the goalie gear, as the defence were keeping most of the play down the other end. Spirit did have to defend a couple of short corner attempts, and did a superb job either clearing out the ball or finding an attacker’s foot to get a free.
Some quick work inside the D saw Zac and Matilda both get on the board for Spirit in the first half. Our nice ball movement saw Zac able to get out in the open, while Matilda and Michael had some great runs that almost resulted in goals. A little tap in for Zac in the second half had him finish on 2 goals for the game, and a 3-0 win for Spirit.
Keep up the great work Spirit and let’s back up this play next week!
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia Blue 2-0
This week saw Strikers start to gel as a team, with people settling in to their positions. Right from the start they were able to apply good pressure to the opposition and had great possession throughout the game. Sofia opened the scoring with a great run up the right wing and Jacob followed up with a second goal shortly after. Strikers defence remained solid and Kardinia had very few real chances on goal. For next week the team can work on their calling and getting to the ball first – but another great team performance!
Under 14 Mixed
Newtown Spirit vs Kardinia Blue 0-2
Newtown Spirit put up a solid team effort against Kardinia Blue, but two goals in the second half gave Kardinia the win on the day. Defenders Liam, Kayla, Grace, Brandon, Surry and Amelia worked well together and supported Mai, who was goalie. Tilly and Grace worked hard in attack with a couple of very close opportunities to score that didn’t quite get there. Great effort by everyone for the full duration of the game.
Newtown Strikers Bye
Under 17 Mixed
Newtown Spirit vs Kardinia Blue 2-1
The game was always going to be a tight, physical affair against a strong Kardinia midfield. Early on they were allowed to make several D entries and create shots on goal, but our defenders Sam, Luca, Tom and Mai were up to the task with several great saves. As we started to move the ball around more we generated great attack and running in pairs up both sides via the wings Charlie and Harley, and inners Mitch, Tilly and Philip. Spirit created several chances to score with Philip narrowly missing on the backstick, Charlie hitting the post and Tilly unlucky on a solo breakaway down the right late in the game.
Again our halves (Will, Oskar and Oliver) performed excellently with composure, clean tackling, spreading the ball wide, and rarely turning the ball over. We were able to convert 2 penalty corners with great finishing from Charlie and Mitchell. In all a really pleasing match.
Points for improvement next week against Torquay – remain composed in the circle (don’t rush shots or swing big, earn a corner if no time or space), practise controlled backstick passing, pass back higher and earlier in the D from baseline runs, and forwards always be ready to pounce on balls put through on goals from the halves. Special thanks to Tom, Tilly and Philip for filling in.
Newtown Strikers Bye
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Saints Red 2-5
Division 2 Men
Newtown Falcons vs HG Sharks 0-1
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 0-10
Considering that this game was played against the top women’s team in Division 1, this was a good scoreline and an excellent game by all players.
Torquay had plenty of attack, but with much improved marking by our defence, Torquay had to really show their skills to score. There were a couple of goals which went into the top corner of the net (Claire needs to grow another foot or so!), and a few which were a result of strong direct hits just inside the goal post.
The midfield marking was excellent with Lauren, Hannah and Andie sticking closely and slowing the Torquay advance. Great positioning and co-operation by Tracey, Kirsty and Alex also frustrated some of Torquay’s attempts to score, with Claire stopping a number of shots too.
Strikers co-operation in attack saw a number of forward moves, with great running by Hayley, Emma, Kate and Emily. Good position and strong passes to space by Georgie and Peta also helped get the ball into attack. Thanks to Hayley and Alex for filling in.
Well done Strikers! A great effort.
