Highlights this week included:
⭐ High quality passes from the U10 teams, with numerous goals scored.
⭐ A first goal of the season for Alex in U12 Spirit.
⭐ Continued improvement by U14 Strikers to limit the opposition scoring
⭐ Fantastic goal for D1 Women after Audrey slipped past 2 defenders and the goalie, and great work at the other end by our own superstar keeper Rachel to block some sure goals.
⭐ A great return game for Tash in D2 Women with 3 goals to her credit.
Meanwhile, some of our Lloyd Reserve family who are still a little too young to play enjoyed just chillin’ in the sunshine with a sausage.
Under 10 Stead Park
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 4-3
Newtown and Torquay clashed in a thrilling field hockey showdown, with Newtown emerging victorious in a nail-biting 4-3 victory.
From the outset, both teams displayed impressive skill and strategy, keeping spectators captivated. Newtown surged ahead early, capitalizing on scoring opportunities, but Torquay fought back fiercely, leveling the score multiple times throughout the match.
In a tense final period, Newtown managed to secure the win with a decisive goal in the dying seconds, igniting celebrations among their supporters. It was a gripping display of athleticism and determination from both sides, making for an unforgettable match
Under 10 Lloyd Reserve
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Dynamos 5-4
Newtown Spirit had a great game against Newtown Dynamos last Saturday. We had a slow start to the game, but we improved during the first half as we played in our positions and moved the ball wide. We were rewarded with a goal near half time (Hayden’s first goal of the season).
The second half Hugo and Leila scored, and Hayden scored two more goals. There was great defending and passing led to four goals in the second half.
Newtown Dynamos vs Newtown Spirit 4-5
The first half was well contested by both sides. Longer hits and passes were being used to initiate attacking plays by both teams. Dynamos players Edward and Eliza scored two goals each. Kiarah again was showing great tenacity in her tackling.
In the second half Spirit were very motivated to even the score and staged an impressive comeback. Inspired by their coach Dom, a dominant side emerged. Five goals were scored by Spirit players. The deciding factor was the quality of passing, particularly into the goal scoring zone. Dynamos put up a great effort and had numerous opportunities to score themselves, however the Spirit game plan and accuracy was too strong in the second half. In the end Spirit won with an inspiring 5:4
Newtown Rockets vs Newtown Rebels 0-4
There were 7 players this week for Rockets: Austin, Elspeth, Harry, Nora, Tom, Will and Lily was back playing! We also had Caspar fill in for the first half and Fred for the second half.
During the first half there was great passing between Elspeth and Harry and also between Nora and Austin on the wings. Also nice work from Tom passing out of the goal.
In the second half Austin was good at running in to cover and passing to Nora. Harry had some lovely positioning.
This game was the best yet at spreading out, tackling/stealing the ball and keeping sticks on the ground to be able to stop the ball.
There was no score for Rockets this game, but they played so well!! Rebels scored 4 goals, well done Rebels.
Newtown Rebels vs Newtown Rockets 4-0
Another great game from Rebels this week, they played against Rockets and won 4-0. Each week we se Rebels playing more and more as a team, and it is fabulous to see. Everyone in the team is improving their passing game. We saw some great passes from Charlie, Esther and Freddie this week and Florence and Abby did some great back and forth passing to each other. Harry was brilliant in defence this week saving a couple of goals. Caspar was very kind and played for Rockets in the first half but got involved running hard and tackling for Rebels in the second half.
Beatrix was again involved in the most epic tackles of the game. The great teamwork this week was reflected in the sharing of the goal scoring, Florence scored her first goal in a penalty push and Charlie, Harry and Caspar also each scored a goal. Great teamwork Rebels!
Under 12
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia 7-0
A great team performance with all players getting involved. Special mention for Paddy and Cooper who both scored their first goals of the season and for our goalie Albie who made some great saves to keep a clean sheet.
Mitchell, Alex, Eva and Joey tackled strongly all game and with their passing, allowed our wingers in Georgia, Fraser and Eliza to get some space and create multiple forward plays.
Goal Scorers – 3 x Jack, 2 x Eddy, 1 x Paddy & Cooper
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 5-1
Spirit finally fielded close to a full strength team and Joe scored in the first minute of play. Some nice interplay passing between Chelsea and Alex and Jack for the second. Lucas Young also scored before half time in a half dominated by Spirit.
The second half was much the same though Torquay got a length of the field goal to make it 3-1. Ved took a good opportunity and Alex scored her first goal of the season. Overall a good team performance with some good passing and team work but a few missed chances also.
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia 0-5
It was great to see U14 Strikers improve this week – and whilst we didn’t come away with a win, there were plenty of positives.
Having lost to Kardinia previously (round 3) – where Kardinia scored 8 unanswered goals in the second half – Strikers made sure they put in 100% effort for the whole game. These efforts paid off and Kardinia were restricted to three goals in the second half – a big improvement compared to last, and something to be positive about!
We saw some great efforts in defense this week from Isobel and Lucas O, and Emily had a great tackle mid-way through the first half – well played!
Cormac kept busy running after the ball, often taking it half the pitch length or more towards goal (no one could catch him!). And Binuli, Jess and Parker all tried hard up front to get through Kardinia’s defense, without luck.
The final score was 5-0 Kardinia’s way – but four less goals conceded compared to last time we played them. I’m sure it will be closer again when we meet them in round 9!
Under 17
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia Blue 0-0
Both Newtown and Kardinia teams were short of players this week, and the game was declared a draw.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Geelong Jaguars 1-3
Although the result of the game was a loss, it didn’t reflect the evenly balanced skills of the two sides and re-enforced that Newtown are no push over in the division 1 women’s competition.
Playing with a bench which is becoming a regular occurrence lately (thanks Georgie for orchestrating this), we were able to keep fresh legs on the pitch and maintained steady pressure on the opposition resulting in a number of forced and unforced errors.
One such play provided Audrey an opportunity to slip past the defensive line (I counted at least 2 defenders and goalie) to score a fantastic goal.
Rachel in goals also had a stand-out game, blocking a number of sure goals which kept us in the game and allowed our back line to effectively clear the ball out though our halves and midfield.
All in all, another entertaining game to watch with many positive takeaways which we’ll continue to work upon over the coming weeks.
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Saints Red 6-1
Saints began the game well with a strongly hit goal from a short corner. But determined play by Alex, Paige, Rickie and Rachel in Newtown’s midfield and proactive defence by high full back Neve limited the opportunities for Saints to attack. Anything which did get through was well met and controlled by Kirsty, leaving Claire in goals with only one touch for the game.
Great running to space and ball control in the forward line by Charlotte, Hanna and Claudia with Georgie and Tess making some great passes and good position. Tash, in her first game back, was a potent force in attack, ending with 3 goals for the game.
A fantastic effort from each and every player with well considered touches and persistence to maintain possession.
Division 2 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Torquay Tornadoes 3-1
Newtown Falcons had a strong start against Torquay on Saturday, scoring two goals in the first quarter. We moved the ball well during the game and were able to withstand a spirited fightback from Torquay in the second half where they scored and had two fresh players come off the bench.
We were able to maintain a good standard of play during the game and came away with a 3-1 win.Goal scorers were Tom P, Tom E and Basyl.