The fantastic progress made by teams during this hockey season has been exceptional, with some excellent skills and teamwork on display from teams at all levels of the competition.
Under 8
Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Spirit
I can’t believe there’s only one match remaining this season and I wish there wasn’t! I’ve loved every minute watching the Strikers mature into the team they are and to see individuals establish themselves as some of the best juniors in the competition. Well done Strikers!
Saturday’s match was a true marvel to behold, the Strikers played cohesive and fluent hockey from start to finish. Characterised by exceptional passing between the players and wonderful movement both on and off the ball. Charlie, Henry and Miriam scored multiple first half goals in a dominant display of confidence. And notably, Miriam stopped Caspar in full flight, causing rapturous applause from all spectators. It was a great moment and one of the many highlights that have come out of this season.
Thomas, Tess, Eliza and Nadia moved forward in the second half and had equally good games. Displaying great positional play and a willingness to contest the ball. Excellent work Guys!
Players of the Round – Henry and Miriam
See everyone Saturday
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers
This was one of the best games for Spirit this hockey season, with each member making a contribution to the team game and showing great understanding of hockey strategies.
Good skills and good passing to team mates who were moving into position to receive the ball allowed Spirit to create a number of forward moves. Determination from Caspar often found him in the goal scoring zone, with some success. Great defence by Spirit made the Strikers players work for their goals and persistence from Abby and Leila gained possession for Spirit. Great passing from the midfield by Flynn and Cohen found Elspeth and Esther on the wings with space to run or pass to team mates, with Claire holding the centre channel and making good position.
Best Team Awards to Claire and Caspar.
Under 10
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Jaguars 2-0
A fantastic game from Strikers, with better spreading out and use of space. Some excellent passing to the wings set up great combinations between Paige and Georgia, pushing forward into attack and putting lots of pressure on the Geelong defence. Paddy gained control of the ball often on the left side, and there was some fantastic ‘off the ball’ running from Dot, putting her in the right place to provide support.
Campbell was his usual calm self, with steady play under pressure, moving the ball out of the circle and back to Newtown’s advantage. The midfield defence from Edward and Felix showed great vision and thoughtful passes to keep Newtown in control of the game. James never gives up, always looking to take the ball away from the opposition and make strong passes to his team. Great work by Vicky and Alexis, who are always looking for a team mate to pass to when they get the ball.
Thanks to Miriam and Eliza for filling in, giving us some reserves of energy.
Best Team Player Awards to Dot and Campbell.
Under 12
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia 1-1
Another great game from the Newtown Under 12 Strikers as they drew 1-1 with Kardinia on Saturday. There has been massive progress from all team members’ performance as they were able to control much of the game. The team has made big improvements in their tackling and attacking and made some credible attempts at goal before Joseph was able to get the ball into the goal. Some great mid field play by Lucy and Audrey and tackling by Alex and Jack.
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 0-9
Spirit were lucky to field a side as injury, sickness and unavailability hit the side hard. An even start to the game with both sides playing open and wide. Torquay got in behind the Spirit press three times in that first half and let in three soft goals before a forth on half time from a short corner.
Spirit had several chances in the second half but the counter attack from Torquay was relentless and the Spirit defence unaccustomed to the speed of the passes. Spirit eased off the pressure and the lack of substitutes hurt in the end.
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia Maroon 2-0
Yet another close game for the Strikers in what is proving to be a very even competition in the U14’s. The Strikers found some great energy early and did a great job using their voices to help position their teammates and call for the ball in space. The Strikers were able to penetrate the circle on a number of occasions in a very even first half but neither team were able to score, and it was 0-0 at half time.
At half-time the team spoke about keeping up the chat, making sure the options wide were letting them know and moving the ball out there quickly. Kardinia were setting up a nest in the middle so important to use width to get through and we talked about being aggressive with our entries into the circle and forcing the short corner opportunities.
The second half started well with the Strikers defending strongly and eventually creating an opportunity for George to move the ball through and cross to Zac for a goal. Kardinia attacked hard with the defence clearing a number of balls from deep entries and Letto making a couple of crucial saves. Riley, who was also celebrating his birthday on Saturday, managed to win a key contest and the ball went through to Baxter who drove into the circle and scored and take the score to 2-0 where it remained for the rest of the game.
Overall, another really tough match for the Strikers where they managed to maintain their defensive and offensive pressure and prevail. With a bye next week, the Strikers next game will be a final and this week’s tough match was great preparation.
Under 17
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia 3-9
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 0-11
Spirit knew that they needed to apply a lot of pressure this game. Within the first few seconds of the game Torquay scored a goal. The pressure was put on by Scarlett early on.
Good positioning and a pick up by Hamish gave Spirit possession of the ball within minutes of the game starting. With Spirit holding possession, on two occasions the ball went to the top of the D by Charlotte and Max, one of these instances Max was able to get the ball into the D and Hugh had the right idea and was in the perfect position to score but unfortunately missed, hitting the side of the goals.
Second quarter Spirits defence was still working hard, the ball spent most of the time in Torquay’s forward, although Madden saved many goals, and two short corners were defended well, half time scores were 6-0.
Second half started with Charlie and Hamish getting the ball forward. Good positioning and pressure by Hugh saw Spirit gain possession again getting the ball to Charlotte. The result was a short corner for Spirit and an opportunity to score a goal. Whenever the ball moved into Torquay’s forward, great pressure was applied by, Georgia, Felix, Tessa, Hugh and Ruby.
The team was coming together with a great play that saw Felix move the ball up to Charlotte, who passed it to Scarlet. Spirit had some positive talk on the field despite the scoreboard.
With five short corners Torquay’ way in the second half, the final scores were Torquay 11 Spirit 0.
Division 1 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Torquay 8-3
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Geelong Jaguars 2-2
One of the best game of the hockey season for Falcons, with some excellent defence. Ainsley provided the usual brick wall, skilfully picking off Geelong’s attacks with great anticipation and well timed interceptions, before sending the ball forward for Audrey and Emily to create havoc for Geelong’s defence. Beth did a great job of marking dangerous opposition attackers, denying them free rein in the circle.
Midfield defence from Alex, Ruby, Georgia and Rachel was solid, keeping players well marked on many occasions. Some speedy passages of play from Rosie, Grace, Amber and Hailey got the ball deep into our attacking zone, earning us a number of scoring chances. A switch in the usual attacking short corner combo saw Ainsley score a fantastic straight shot goal, with Hailey scoring the other goal.
A great game to have just before we get to the finals. Well done all!
Division 2 Men
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong White 2-6
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Jaguars 5-0
An unexpected forfeit due to a schedule mix up from Geelong, but we gathered an opposition team of young juniors from the sidelines for a scratch match, which turned out to be very enjoyable. Thanks to all who participated.
