Under 8
Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Spirit
Round 10 saw a wonderful “derby” between the two Newtown teams, playing red hot hockey on a cold morning!
Henry had another outstanding game in defense, exhibiting wonderful tackling technique and strong clearances from the back. Congratulations Henry on receiving this weeks “player of the round”. Its been wonderful to see you mature as a hockey player over the last few months and I hope that continues. Well done Henry.
A big congratulations must also go to Nadia this week, as joint recipient of “player of the round” with Henry. Nadia was magnificent “up front” and proved to be a real handful for the Spirits defense. Well done Nadia.
Finally, a notable mention needs to go to Tess, who was solid as rock in defense and moved cleanly through the mid field on several occasions. Excellent “reading of the play” Tess.
Keep up the great work Strikers as we play the last few rounds of the season.
Under 10
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong 4-0
The U/10 Strikers had a fantastic game against Geelong Jaguars, with their recent focus on passing out wide and supporting their team-mates clearly on show. Paddy scored an early goal, ably supported by Georgia who ran alongside in support the whole way. Some great passing out wide by Edward, who combined well with Joe and Paddy, saw a lot of play stay down the Newtown end. Paddy was again supported by Georgia to score another goal, and a late run by Joe up the wing almost resulted in a third!
After half-time, the play was more towards the Geelong end, with Edward, Campbell and Georgia combining well in defence. Some great tackling by Joe was backed up by our main man in defence, Tom – who made the most of some superb positioning by Dot on the wing, and got it out wide to her when he could. Georgia put in a great run, supported by Dot on the wing, to score the first goal of the second half. Georgia’s 2nd and 3rd efforts were brilliant, as was defence by Campbell, and a beautiful piece of team play towards the end saw Paddy pass to Georgia for the fourth and final goal of the match. Eventual scoreline was 4-0 to Newtown and a much deserved win!
Under 12
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 0-5
A few Spirit players coming back after several weeks off showed against a well drilled Torquay team. An early goal to Torquay was followed by 2 goals from short corners. Disappointing from Spirit who haven’t conceded a short corner goal all season.
Spirit showed a bit more fight in the second half getting the ball forward a few times but couldn’t capitalise. A goal in the final play of the game made it an easy win for Torquay.
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia 0-3
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong 11-1
A great return match for the Strikers who hadn’t played a match for a couple of weeks after the holidays and then a bye first game back. The game started with Geelong scoring a goal in the first 90 seconds after getting out the back of the Strikers defence to see Newtown immediately on the back foot. However, the Strikers did a great job of keeping their heads up and maintaining focus and Zac was able to level the scores slightly after. After that the Strikers took control and were able to maintain a great blend of using width but also bringing the ball inside when opportunities presented. After more goals from Will and George the Strikers went into half time with a 6-1 lead.
At half time Kurt implored the team to maintain the pressure in the second half and look to get everyone involved. He asked for a a focus on ensuring if players were carrying the ball that teammates focused on getting into position for the next pass and looking for opportunities for early entries into the circle. More goals followed in the second half to Zac and Will with Baxter also get in on the act with a great finish from a short corner and Ollie and Maidie both unlucky not to pick up goals from great positions at the post. The Strikers maintained their pressure across the field and finished with a comprehensive 11-1 win.
Overall it was a great win for the Strikers that showed what can be achieved when they are able to implement the strategies that Kurt and the team are planning and training for.
Under 17
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 1-9
It was another chilly morning at Stead Park and for round 9 and it was without their goalie. The team were extremely grateful that Max put his hand up to protect the goals from Torquay.
The first half of the match was well played with an early opportunity at goal. Leo was providing good options for the free hits, whilst Tessa was in good positions to obtain the ball. Georgia was trying to get the ball wide and away from Torquay. Charlotte did an amazing job running the ball forward and getting Spirit a short corner. Spirit did an amazing job to keep Torquay to 4 goals in the first half.
Opportunities were not lost with three short corner opportunities for Spirit. Ruby and Kayla were working hard in defence with a lot of the ball spending it’s time in Torquay’s forward.
Half time talk was all about moving the Torquay players out, creating space and taking free hits quickly. This tactic was adopted and the benefits were obvious. Hamish and Tess were keeping wide, with good pressure saw Charlotte get Spirit another opportunity at goal with a short corner. Scarlet was applying pressure and some great team work was displayed by Charlotte, Hugh that gave Felix a shot at goal. A short corner pushed in by Georgia to Charlotte saw Spirit score their only goal for the game.
Max did an amazing job in goals and this was evidenced by his team, awarding him the most votes this week for players player. Well done Max and thank you for being our goalie this week. A great effort by the team this week. Well done Spirit.
