Under 10
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia 3-1
Under 12
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers 0-0
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 2-1
A tough game for the Strikers this week against an under-manned but gritty Torquay team. Newtown had its full complement of players available this week with Kurt doing plenty of pre-planning for the rotations. It was great to see the players adapt so well and showed the versatility of the Strikers squad with many players being required to play in multiple positions.
The first half was a fast-paced game with the ball moving quickly up and down the pitch and the Strikers opened their account with a great goal from Bella from a short corner. This was quickly equalised by Torquay who were able to get in behind the Strikers defence on a break and convert into a goal. The rest of the half was a fierce battle, and the Strikers broke through again just before half time with Will able to follow up a shot from Zac to score and send the Strikers into half time with a 2-1 lead. At the half time break Kurt instructed the players to ensure they were falling back when defending but making sure they retained their forward structure to provide clearance outlets from the defenders. He also wanted the players to continue to transition the ball quickly and look for the early option rather than holding onto the ball.
The second half saw the Strikers create a few more opportunities with good entries into the circle but they were unable to add to the score. Fortunately, some good work from the defensive unit also prevented Torquay from penetrating and the final score remained at 2-1 in Striker’s favour. At the end of the game Kurt commended the players for continuing to scrap out the game and asked them to ensure they continued to use their voices on field to help direct players into position or let them know where the outlet options were.
Overall, a very satisfying win for Strikers with the players adaptability and commitment to the contest on display in a very tough game.
Under 17
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 0-4
Newtown Spirit vs Kardinia Blue 1-9
Spirit faced Kardinia on a beautiful Saturday morning. The sun was shining and the game started with two very quick short corners for Kardinia, this saw them start the game with an early goal.
Second quarter started with the ball spending much of the time in Spirit’s forward line. Georgia was taking the ball wide with many plays passed to Max. Max was able to get it into Spirit’s forward and opportunity presented itself with Hamish getting the ball into Spirits D for 2 short corners, unfortunately the team was not able to score.
Half time scores Kardinia 4 Spirit 0
The second half started with Spirit having to apply a lot of pressure, with Kardinia almost scoring early on. However, third quarter was definitely won by Spirit, the ball spent most of its time in our forward zone with Hugh almost scoring twice having two shots at goal. Last quarter saw Madden working hard saving goals. Spirits hard-work paid off with one last short corner that was pushed out by Georgia and a goal was scored by Nate.
Final scores Kardinia 9 Spirit 1.
Player’s player went to Nate, closely followed by Hamish.
Division 1 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Saints Black 2-6
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons Bye
Division 2 Men
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Blue 2-2
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 5-1
