The Preliminary Finals saw 3 Newtown teams featuring, after finishing the season with strong performances.
Congratulations to Newtown Strikers who will join Newtown Spirit in the U12 Grand Final on September 14, in what should be a fantastic game.
Commiserations to U17 Strikers and D2 Women Strikers who gave their best efforts but were unsuccessful in continuing on to the Grand Final. Congratulations to all the players on their efforts during the season.
Under 12
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia 5-0
With a Grand Final spot up for grabs, you could tell from the first play of the day that everyone was switched on and determined to put last week’s loss behind them. Mitch and Alex played their defensive roles perfectly all day, they controlled the back half and set up countless counter attacks with great passing. Our wingers Georgia and Cooper ran all day and came close to scoring many times but their hard running created space for others. The tackling pressure was up for most of the game with goals from Jack, Paddy and Eddy getting reward for effort in the first half.
The game opened up in the second half, with Joey, Eva and Fraser dominating possession and setting up multiple scoring chances. Jack and Eddy did well to capitalise on these chances, both scoring again. The only concern out of the game was a hand injury to Jack who is now in a race against the clock to prove his fitness to play in the GF on Saturday.
Well done Strikers on putting our super coach’s game plan into actions. Everyone listened and played their roles to perfection. Good luck on Saturday. You are all winners regardless of the outcome!
Under 17
Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia Blue 2-3
Newtown Strikers came into their Preliminary Final clash against Kardinia full of confidence after a strong final training session, and the game certainly lived up to expectations.
The match began with tense exchanges and impressive ball movement from both teams. Newtown struck first in the opening quarter, capitalizing on their fast start, something the team had worked on throughout the season. However, Kardinia responded in the second quarter, bringing the score level at 1-1 heading into halftime.
Newtown continued to execute their game plan well, mixing zone and man-on-man defence to protect the corridor. Their attackers pressed Kardinia’s defenders with intensity, while the defence held strong when tested. Despite their efforts, Kardinia managed to sneak in a goal during the third quarter, leaving Newtown trailing 2-1 at the end of the third.
In the final quarter, Newtown came out firing. A sharp pass from Nate set up a brilliant diving deflection from Surry, leveling the scores at 2-2 early in the quarter. But Kardinia soon broke through with a decisive goal. Despite sustained pressure from Newtown, who spent the last few minutes camped in Kardinia’s defensive half, they couldn’t find the equalizer, with the match ending 3-2 in favour of Kardinia.
Although the season ended in heartbreak, the coaches expressed immense pride in the team. Their effort in both the final match and the season as a whole showed the Strikers’ growth and competitive spirit, with several standout wins along the way. While a Grand Final appearance wasn’t to be, the team demonstrated they could challenge any opposition.
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 1-3
