The first round back for the hockey season after the school holiday break required some juggling, and even then a number of teams were missing players due to illness and clashes with other hockey commitments.
Congratulations to those members who are busy with training for the Hockey Victoria Academy, State teams and Emerging Players squads.
Under 8 Mixed
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay
U/8 Strikers had a great return from holidays in their game against Torquay. Good sportsmanship displayed by Dot, Vicki (1st half) and Blair (2nd half) by pulling on a bib to boost numbers for Torquay. Strong defence by Blair and Ewan in the 1st half limited Torquay’s scoring opportunities.
Paddy scored a fantastic goal shortly after half time. Soph followed up some great defensive efforts, including a magnificent trap, with a goal as well. Vicki was strong again in front of goals. Great team effort!
Newtown Navigators vs Kardinia
Newtown Navigators had a great match against Kardinia, who kindly loaned a couple of players to boost our numbers. Felix, Hunter and Eleanor all played well. Felix did some great tackling in defence. Hunter showed great persistence, marking his players and getting the ball. Eleanor did some excellent passes. Accurate, strong pushes. It was such a team effort, all 3 got best player!
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay Tornadoes
We were pleased to welcome new players to our team, Ishe, Ben and Emma.This meant that we were able to loan Torquay some players to boost their numbers.
The first half saw some excellent defence from James and Thomas, with Ishe showing great determination to get the ball. Good tackling by Harry to gain possession was followed up by good scanning for team mates and strategic passing.
The second half saw Spirit continue to work together well, with Cate continuing to make great position on the wing, and tackling back to put pressure on when Torquay got the ball. Ben and Emma were in good position making some good intercepts and moving the ball forward. A great game by all players, with the ‘sticks on the ground’ approach being a highlight and resulting in many opportunities for Spirit to control the game.
Under 10 Mixed
Newtown Spirit vs Kardinia 2-0
It looked like this was going to be a difficult game for Spirit when we lined up with only 7 players. But the team was not overawed by this, and showed the benefits of creating space down the side line to bypass the usual crowd in the centre of the field.
Evelyn took on the task of sole full back, undaunted by the responsibility, stopping many attacks early and passing the ball wide to Spirit players. Great work by Binuli in midfield to overlap and get the ball from Leo in the left corner before the ball went goalwards. Persistence and great ball control by Lucas resulted in Newtown controlling the centre of the field and allowed play to be spread wide where Marcel was ready to receive, often in a space by himself. Louis added to the midfield wall and Emily was running to receive possession and then moving quickly to goal.
Goals scored by Lucas and Leo. A fantastic game by all!
Newtown Strikers Bye
Under 12 Mixed
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers 1-2
The Newtown spirit vs Newtown Strikers game saw both teams playing short with no goalkeeper. Joey was doing his very best in the centre clearing the ball towards the goal but unfortunately no one was there to receive the ball. Play continued to move from one end to the other with neither team able to break the deadlock until Strikers scored the 1 st goal of the game right at the end of the half.
In the second half Bella weaved her way though a field of opposition players and ended up scoring the 1 st goal for the second half. Our full backs Ved and Patrick were doing a great job
getting the ball out, but Spirit were not able to capitalise in the forward zone. Despite the solid defence by Spirit, Strikers unfortunately scored their second goal at the end of the match, winning a great game 2 to 1.
All the Spirit team played an excellent game. Well done to Strikers coming out with the win. Thanks to Joey and Eddy for filling in for Spirit. All the best for next weeks game.
Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Spirit 2-1
After several weeks break it was good to be back at Stead Park. Both the Newtown teams warmed up together before the Strikers and Spirit played against each other in the first game back from the school holiday break.
Both teams were a few players short and the game was played with no goalies. Chelsea and Eva from U10 Strikers helped out on the U12 Strikers team and both played really well. Strikers scored a goal late in each half leading to a final score of 2-1. After the game both teams huddled together showing great club spirit that was a fitting end to the game. Well done all.
Under 14 Mixed
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 1-5
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Rebels 5-0
Unfortunately a lack of players for both teams resulted in a forfeit.
Under 17 Mixed
Newtown Strikers v Geelong Jaguars 14-0
On Sunday Strikers played a young Geelong Jaguars team with no goalie. We had a few players missing but had a number return or join us for the first time this season. The first half was
characterised by good passing that utilised the full width of the pitch and involved multiple players in passages of play that resulted in goals. Half time score was 5 nil Newtown.
Highlight of the second half was not the skilful goal hit by Nate but the dive roll immediately afterwards. Final score was 14 nil.
Special mention to Harry B on scoring 10 goals in the game while also passing off to teammates when appropriate. Well done Strikers.
Newtown Spirit vs Kardinia 4-14
A great first half by Spirit, playing with 9 players. Thanks to Chloe and Max for filling in. Some great teamwork and proactive defence moved the ball into attack, and Luke was on the ball to score all 4 goals. Kardinia’s strength and full team told in the second half, allowing them to make the most of their forward moves.
Congratulations to the Spirit team on the great team spirit and work ethic they show each week. Well done all.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Torquay 0-3
Division 2 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Golden Plains 1-2
After a strong recruiting drive over the past fortnight, Golden Plains was able field a full side and even have a couple on the bench. In contrast, Newtown had only 8 available with players out with COVID/flu, clashes with rep games, resting for rep games and even a flight from Bali being delayed! Thankfully Shannon needed little arm twisting to fill in, lifting our numbers to 9.
Despite being short, we played well and were able to create opportunities in attack. We played particularly well in the final quarter, winning penalty corners, with Basyl scoring with a strong shot from the top of the circle.
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay Tornadoes 4-4
This was a game which seesawed on the score board with Newtown showing great persistence and dedication right to the end. Torquay scored an easy goal from the top of the circle early in the game and were looking to capitalise on their advantage. But strong proactive defence by Tash, Sarah, Karen and Hannah was well backed up Kirsty and Tracey, sending the ball forward for Newtown. Fantastic ball control and ‘never give up’ effort by Kate saw some great combination to move the ball forward. Excellent running to space and picking up the passes by Charlotte was matched by skilful passages to move the ball quickly into attack from Hanna, Georgie and Grace.
The scoreboard went 1-1, 2-2, 3-3 and finally 4-4, with goals scored by Tash (2), Georgie and Kate. Kate was especially pleased with her deflection into goal as this was a skill she had learnt at training in the past couple of weeks. Excellent work by all players. Well done team.
