The last round of the 2023 hockey season this week highlighted the results which can be achieved with practice and persistence. We move into the finals series next week, and with all 9 teams in the finals there’s plenty of anticipation, and plenty to cheer for.
Under 8
Some great play from both U8 teams this week, highlighting the improvement in skills and hockey smarts since the beginning of the year. Well done to all.
Under 10
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia 1-0
Under 12
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers 0-0
Under 14
Newtown Strikers Bye
Under 17
Newtown Spirit vsKardinia Blue 3-6
The last game for the winter season was off to a great start. Spirit had two great opportunities at goal with short corners won by Max. Great team work was displayed when Hugh had several Kardinia players on him, however was able to get the ball to Karla and Max for a short corner. First quarter ended with Leo having a great run with the ball into Spirit’s forward. Great toss in by Zac, which was picked up by Leo who flicked it up across the D, unfortunately Hugh was just out of reach to shoot for a goal. Good run by Max and another shot at goal. Half time Spirit held Kardinia to two goals, Madden saved four goals and Spirit had four opportunities at goal.
Ruby, Kayla and Georgia had their work cut out for them in the third quarter, an early short corner for Kardinia saw them score and soon after a second short corner saw Kardinia score their fourth goal. An option presented for Spirit with a short corner. Pushed out by Georgia, and persistence by Hamish got the ball to Nate who was in a great position to score.
Last quarter the was fairly even with the ball spending time in both teams halves. Spirit had an opportunity with a short corner but unfortunately didn’t score and the ball headed into Kardinia’s forward, however Leo and Tessa got the ball back into Spirit’s forward that saw Max get their second goal. The game finished with Spirit getting a short corner on the whistle. The last play saw Georgia push out the ball and Max scoring yet again.
An amazing game, the final scores, Kardina 6 Spirit 3. A big thank you to Zac Wingbert for helping the Spirit team with numbers this week. Players player this week went to Max. However, everyone in the team received a vote.
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 2-6
Division 1 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Saints Black 2-2
The Newtown Falcons drew 2-2 with Saints Black on a warm and somewhat sunny Sunday.
The Saints scored first with their injector tapping in a rebound from a penalty corner. We scored soon after in the second quarter with Harry weaving his way into the circle and then flicking the ball past the Saints keeper into the top left of the goal. The second quarter was tight. Unfortunately the Saints scored on the turnover a minute before half time. The third and fourth quarters were also tight, we had our chances, but were denied by strong defence from the Saints. Campbell also made some great saves to deny the Saints a third goal.
We earned a penalty corner in the final seconds of the game, and had to take the corner after full time. We managed to get a shot away, the GK cleared it, we intercepted the clearance, chaos ensued and we were awarded another corner. On our second corner, Leo flicked the ball into the bottom left corner to equalise.
It was a great effort by the team and a very encouraging performance in the lead up to finals. Shout-outs to Campbell for many great saves in the net and Tom P for volunteering to umpire on Saturday.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Saints 3-0
Division 2 Men
Newtown Strikers vs Saints White 3-7
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 0-0
Check out the finals fixtures here.
