The weather was super cold this week but the effort and commitment from all teams was fantastic!
Under 10 Stead Park
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia 0-11
U/10 Strikers played Kardinia in bitterly cold conditions at Arctic (Stead) Park early on Saturday, with Kardinia coming out on top 11-0. The team was led well in defence by Edward, Henry and Thomas, and showcased resilience in the first half, thwarting numerous attacks and getting plenty of practice at short corners!!
The second half saw Harry making an impressive run down the wing, whilst Isla showed great promise in her first game, linking up a pass from Dot onto Henry in a promising attacking move that nearly resulted in a goal. Despite the scoreline, Strikers displayed determination and teamwork, while Kardinia’s clinical finishing proved decisive in securing their victory.
Under 10 Lloyd Reserve
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Dynamos 7-1
It was a cold and wet Saturday morning, but the U10s were excited to play hockey after a four week break. Newtown Spirit played well against Dynamos, moving the ball well. Hugo, Hayden and Tess all scored. And Leon scored for the Dynamos after joining them at half time. Most players enjoyed a hot sausage after the game.
Under 12
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia 6-0
Round 10 delivered by far the best team performance of the 2024 hockey season. Despite being a player down, and confronted with freezing conditions, the team executed the game plan to perfection. Our passing game was a key feature with all players moving the ball on quickly to team members in better positions. This set up numerous attacking opportunities with Eva and Fraser both scoring good team goals.
Joey and Jack both scored twice, with both boys each having a claim for goal of the year! The improvement in skill level and understanding of the team strategy from the entire team made watching the game very enjoyable. Great effort Strikers on a well deserved 6-0 win!
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 2-0
A 10 man Spirit played Torquay in cold wet and windy conditions. It took Spirit awhile to get into the game. Torquay had three short corner chances in the first half and Spirit’s best chance was a short corner right on half time.
The second half spirit played with a bit more speed and opened up Torquay’s defence. Jack and Chelsea hitting into the circle multiple times and finally Alex and Ishe scored. A scrappy win for Spirit but tough playing conditions.
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia 0-9
This week U14 Strikers faced top-of-the-table Kardinia who continue to show their dominance with a final score card of 9-0.
A huge shout out to the umpires to start with – in particular the two Strikers players Liz and Kayden who umpired the U12 games right before our game. It was a freezing cold morning and these two saw the worst of the weather whilst umpiring. Having to then pick up their sticks with frozen hands and go out and play was tough, but after a quick warmup they were soon out on the pitch. Well done Liz and Kayden.
Thanks as well to Chelsea from U12 Spirit for bolstering our player list for the game and giving us a bench to allow Liz and Kayden some warm up time. Chelsea had a great game too for the Strikers!
We started well in the first half, with some strong pressure from Audrey keeping Kardinia to just one goal in the first half of the half.
Emily donned the goalie gear for the first time this season, and had a great game with several saves – nice work Emily!
In the second half we saw a similar story – Kardinia could only get one shot through for goal in the first two-thirds of the half, and this time it was Sofia who put the pressure on Kardinia to keep them away from their scoring end.
Another tough game for the Strikers, but much to take away for next week’s game against Jaguars!
Under 17
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia Blue 0-5 (forfeit)
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Saints Black 3-3
Division 1 Men
Newtown Falcons Bye
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Saints Red 7-1
With pre-game instruction to focus on short sharp passing, the intent was obvious from the start. An early short corner after gaining possession came after skilfull passing by Audrey, Tash, Claudia, Hanna and Sofia. A pushin from Tash to Georgie was followed by a scramble in the goal mouth and a goal to Strikers. The restart after the goal saw Saints hit back with a massive goal to equalise.
The quarter time word was ‘tighten up on the marking and keep the short passing going’ with this style of play giving Newtown the dominant role in the game. With that in mind and in practice, we did not look back. Quick passing from one side of the field to the other and great work on the forward line by Tash, Audrey, Claudia, Sofia and Peta. Our half line of Andrea, Neve, Georgie was always supporting the forwards and the backs.
Play of the day came from a quick free hit from Tash to Audrey who ran the ball to the circle, made the goalie move and then passed a short quick ball to Sofia who just tapped it in! This was a very good sign of the teamwork and co-operation, and the score could have been even more.
Well done to the players for the outstanding commitment on a day when the heavens opened and the rain came down.
With regular goalie Claire away sick, stand-in keeper Deanne did not let us down, with some great footwork. Kirsty and Alex were outstanding at full back defence, and the half line worked super hard to support both backs and forwards. The forward line never stopped working, with goals to Tash 2, Sofia 2, Audrey, Georgie and Neve.
Thanks to coach Paul and assistant coach Parker for their enthusiasm and advice.
