We are at the halfway point of the 2023 hockey season, and it’s great to see that we are still welcoming new members to our teams.
Under 8
Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Spirit
Last weekend’s local derby between the Newtown Strikers and Spirit lived up to its billing! Both halves were played at a frenetic pace and the level of play across the field was exceptional.
A special mention must be made to Caspar and Elspeth who came across from the Spirit to play for the Strikers. Thank you so much for joining us guys and you are most welcome anytime.
The standout players this week for the Strikers were Henry and Miriam. Henry played as two on the weekend and has come such a long way from the start of the season. He fiercely contested the ball in attack and on more than one occasion saved the Strikers goal from the attacking spirit. Fantastic work Henry and congratulations on receiving this rounds “Player of the Match”.
The other notable mention goes to Miriam for her tenacity in defense and fearlessness in attack. Wonderful work Miriam and we all look forward to a strong second half of the season from you.
Can’t wait to see everyone this Saturday for more hockey, hockey, hockey!
Under 10
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong 0-1
It was a very tight affair between the U/10 Strikers and Geelong Jaguars. The first half was a mix of outstanding defence – particularly great positioning by Campbell, who then sent it wide to Edward – and lots of forward pressure from Paige, Paddy and Georgia. It was really great to see all players looking to pass out wide – Georgia clearing out of defence to Lexi and Paige, Paige passing out wide to Winnie, Dot intercepting an opposition pass and then passing off to Paige then to Winnie.
The second half saw a great run from Paige to turn a defensive effort into an attack, with another pass out wide to Winnie. Great work in defence by Paddy, Georgia and Felix, with huge second and third efforts. Campbell, Georgia and Paige all combined brilliantly towards the end. It really could’ve been a nil-all draw, but for an opposition short corner called after the final whistle, which led to a heart-breaking Jaguars goal. Best players were Campbell for his defensive efforts and Felix for his second and third efforts.
Under 12
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 0-3
Top of the table clash. Spirit started off well and had a few early chances to no avail. Torquay started to get into the game and scored close to half time.
Torquay’s defensive patterns and wide attacking balls opened up Spirit’s defence in the second half. Spirit worked hard but weren’t able to get the equaliser. A couple of late goals to Torquay ended the game Spirit 0-3 Torquay.
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia 0-5
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia Blue 2-4
Under 17
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia 2-3
Thank you firstly to Rohan and Darren for stepping in and helping out with the coaching duties.
We were able to fill the team before half time with players able to assist the team, Anya, Bella and Will. During the game Tom was setting up the team and able to score. Lara was able to score with her running up to the side and manning the post.
Anya and Will were both making their mark on short corners but unable to convert. Amelia, Alex and Mai were successful in making Kardinia work for their goals. Tillie, Bella and Brayden worked together to shut down progression from the other team and take up their positions quickly for short corners.
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 0-6
The Spirit team were off to a great start, keeping the first tight and Torquay out of the goals for the first quarter. Karla and Felix applied lots of pressure to the Torquay goalie, unlucky not to pop one into the goals. Georgia defended corners with power and speed, Kayla and Leo cleared some great balls out wide. It was tough for the defenders to get the ball out, but Ruby managed to get some great passes out wide to start the Spirit attack.
Nate stepped up the pressure on Torquay in the third quarter as he made some fast breaks, connecting well with Charlotte.
Max was voted player’s player for his huge commitment to the second and third efforts he applied at every contests. Great to see this effort after the work we have been. doing at training.
Hugh was explosive in forward creating some threatening opportunities. Hamish captained Spirit today and showed his versatility moving from the front line then into defence. All the while Madden kept working to protect our goals.
Unfortunately at the end of the day Torquay came out winners 6-0.
Thanks Michelle for helping out with the scoring. Claire has kindly offered to help out training on Thursday and Jo and Byron will coach/manage next week so please put your best effort in
All the best.
Division 1 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Torquay D1 0-2
In the leadup to Sunday’s game, the Newtown Falcons were hit by a spate of withdrawals because of work, COVID, man flu and other ailments. On Saturday morning we had only seven players confirmed! Thanks to Dave Wyld and Leo Fitzgerald we were able to pull together 11 guys including Campbell Gibbs as keeper (Campbell only registered late on Saturday evening).
We took it up to Torquay. We defended doggedly and didn’t overcommit. And Campbell made many, many great saves. The scoreline was still 0-0 at three-quarter time, and an unlikely victory was possible, but ultimately wasn’t to be. Early in the 4th quarter, Tom B put his body on the line in front of the goal, but was unfortunately behind our keeper, leading to a stroke and goal. Shortly after we had some back luck and conceded a second goal. Overall, it was a really good performance. Thanks to Campbell, Dave, Luke, Cal and Tom B for playing at such short notice and thanks to AJ for the fourth quarter cameo.
We look forward to playing Torquay D1 later in the season.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons Bye
Division 2 Men
Newtown Strikers vs Navigators 0-10
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Saints 4-1
Well…. aren’t we all awesome. Some would say legendary. It has been a long time coming for a 4-1 win over Saints…. But I don’t want to ruin the punchline.
Yet again we struggled for numbers this week, some greatly appreciated help from Ruby and Hailey along with Rachel “the Rock” Moon in goals helped create a strong competitive side.
Back to the story…. The first goal… was a tad controversial as all goals are when lifted on a short. Was there a first shot…. was it dangerous… was it a 16… a short or a penalty flick…. all I know is Ruby stepped up and owned it. It’s always great to see a defender getting one on the board.
The second goal was a calamity of errors (on both sides). It also involved a lot of what some would say is arse over class… The defenders accidentally passed it to Hailey, who passed it to Peta… who totally knew Georgie was behind her so she did a fakey. Georgie took a quick shot and it was out of reach of the goalie in the corner.
We returned the favor down the other end on a short corner. Being the good sports we are, we decided to give them a chance and just not run out on the short corner. Nothing like a good ball watch on a Saturday arvo.
Grace found her awesome this week. There were a few solid chances that just missed and you could see her getting frustrated, but if you’re in the right spot… it will come. She held her calm and carried the ball along the line to convert a screamer with millimeters either side. Honorable mention to Peta playing distraction on the spot, ready to clear up any mess. Once she had one she decided a second was needed.
Again solid defence, and it is great to see everyone out there having a laugh. Alex was owning the back, taking on multiple defenders and giving Ruby and Andi time to get back for the second tackle. Backed up by Kirsty and Rachel, Kat was able to push forward and carry the ball forward with the assistance of Claudia, Hailey and Georgie.
One thing I have really noticed this year is the team effort. Paul is looking at us as a team and putting people in positions where there strengths can come out. All of our goals have had multiple setups prior to the final finisher tapping it in. I know for sure Claire has been responsible for most of my conversions with her little tap around the defender passes that means I don’t have to take on a player and show my “skills” or lack thereof. There is something about this year… I don’t know… maybe the vibe.. (like marbo)… but I’m getting very excited about how we are all syncing. And it’s funny to watch the other team try and catch us when it’s a three on one.
