Round 1 of the 2025 Hockey season got underway with teams comprising a mix of players, both new to our club and new to hockey, as well as those who have been with us for a while. There were some great performances and super efforts despite some strong opposition.
Under 10 Stead Park
Newtown Strikers vs Saints 5-6
Taking to the field for the first match of the season, the U10 Strikers were out numbered 6 players to 7, and facing a tall opposition. There was a nervousness in the air.
Elspeth was quickly under fire in the goals. She stood strong and held off many attempts. With the game moving fast and the Strikers down two goals to nil, Elspeth passed the ball to Georgia who ran down the wing for almost the entire length of the pitch. There was a very noticeable shift in the team’s energy as they realised that they had the potential to match the Saints.
At the final whistle the result was 5-6. Although a loss on the score card, it was a huge win for the team’s confidence.
Elspeth was exceptional in the goalie position, three goals to Zachary and one each for Georgia and Harry. It was a brilliant team effort and a fantastic start to the season.
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 5-5
In their first outing for the season, Newtown Spirit Under 10s took on a strong Torquay team and put on a fantastic display of teamwork, effort, and skill to come away with a 5-all draw.
Torquay came out firing with a couple of quick early goals, but Newtown quickly found their rhythm. It was clear from the outset that this group had something special, with Charlie making great runs down the wing and Miriam delivering a perfect pass to Eliza, whose first shot on goal was just wide. Not long after, a Torquay pass was intercepted and Charlie pounced, scoring Newtown’s first goal and shifting the momentum.
The game continued to tilt in Newtown’s favour, with strong defence leading to another brilliant run down the wing and a second goal from Charlie. Barely a minute later, Newtown struck again with some sharp passing and quick transition play. Rupert and Albert were solid in defence, holding off repeated Torquay attacks, though the opposition managed to squeeze in a goal just before half-time.
After the break, a single change saw Miriam drop into full back and Albert rotate out. The move paid off almost immediately, with Eliza calmly slotting home her first goal of the game. Newtown’s lead extended soon after, as Charlie burst down the right wing and, with great support from Eliza in the middle, finished off his third goal of the match.
Torquay came back hard in the final stages with renewed energy, pushing forward with strong attacking pressure. Despite excellent defensive work from Rupert and Miriam, two quick goals brought the scores level. Torquay managed one final goal after the whistle, which didn’t count, leaving the final score at a well-deserved 5-all.
A brilliant first match for this new-look Newtown team, showcasing exciting depth and plenty of promise for the season ahead.
Under 10 Lloyd Reserve
Rockets/ Jets vs Rebels/ Dynamos 1-4
There were a few players missing for the first round of the season so we played only 1 game with a combination of players. It was great to see some new players joining us and all showing great skills and confidence despite it being only their first game for some.
There was some great passing with good use of players in space and ready to receive the ball. Back passes and good vision from Nora allowed the ball to be switched to the wings with space to attack and move forward. Great defence in front of goals by Mathilda prevented further scores despite strong attacks by Flynn and Georgia. Everybody showed great attention and endeavour to get the ball, with a great pass from Tully toward the end of the game, having first looked to see where the space was!
With a focus on spreading out more, future games will be even more exciting and skilfull. Well done all!
Under 12
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Thunderstrike 3-1
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 0-8
Faced with a formidable opponent, team Spirit knew they were going to have to play to their absolute best ability.
The first half was tight with only two goals scored by Torquay. Caspar defended well in the goals assisted by a strong defence. The ball was moved through the mid field but it was in the front line where opportunities were missed. The game was fast paced and with no bench to sub in, players started to fatigue in the second half. Torquay went on to overrun team Spirit 8 goals to nil.
While it wasn’t the result that everyone wanted, it set the benchmark for where the team as a whole needs to play this season. It was the first match of the season, many of these players had only just met each other and their coaches at training a few weeks ago. So now we debrief and begin to build a strong team Spirit.
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Corio Reds 0 -10
This was the first game of the season, and we played a team of seasoned and slightly more skillful players. We had a slow start as this was the first game that this team played together. It took a little time for the players to adjust to each other. Then they started to string a few passes together and at times look dangerous.
The senior players, Eva, Chelsea O, Alex H, Alex L, Jack F and Jack H, made great effort to launch attacks on the opponents half and we managed to get into Corio’s D. With a bit more team work and talking, it is clear that this team would perform much better.
Among the newer players to NCHC, Sidak showed great fighting spirit and determination. He has the potential to be a great asset. Lilly, also put on a good game as a defender. Her slap hits were very effective and often deceived the Corio players.
On the positive note, the team has many areas to improve on. The team will improve on one of two aspects of its game each week and by the end of the season, the U14 Mixed will be a formidable team.
Under 16
Newtown Strikers vs Corio Red 1-16
This year we have the new U16 age group in the winter comp, and a new game format too! Games are played on a half pitch, with 5 players plus a goalkeeper per side (and it’s Sundays for game day too!). A big thank you to all the parents and players for accommodating the last minute changes – I’m sure it’s still going to be a great season!
Given the Sunday change we had quite a few players (and coach and team manager) unavailable for Round 1. Thankfully Liz and Chelsea were willing and able to step up from U14s and fill-in so that we had 6 on the pitch – thank you both. Also a huge thank you to Brendan for coaching the side, and to Melissa for looking after team manager duties.
The Strikers played Corio Red to kick-off the season, and despite our best efforts Corio got away with a 16-1 victory. Shout-out to Chelsea for scoring our goal – a great effort there given the late call up into the team!
I’m sure the Strikers will bounce back and have a better run – and hopefully a win – against Torquay next week.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Torquay 0-6
A great effort by Newtown in the first half to keep the half-time score to 0-0!
Division 2 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Geelong Blue 0-3
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong 4-0
Newtown Strikers began the game well, controlling the play and getting plenty of forward movement. Kim’s shot at goal missed by mere inches and we gave the Geelong keeper and defence lots of work to do.
Peta scored the first goal, finding herself in space just inside the top of the circle, and a strong hit made that sound we love to hear – the ball hitting the backboards. Peta must have eaten all the right things for breakfast because she was on fire – finishing with all 4 goals for the game – often in the right place at the right time.
The defence team of Kirsty, Tash, Alex, Andie, Georgie and Hannah CC hardly let anything through, meeting the Geelong attack early, and Claire as keeper only got 1 touch for the game. The forwards worked really well together with Hanna W picking up anything which came her way and skillfully carrying it into attack. Aimee did the same on the left side in the first half before she had to leave. Kim and Kristy were in good position in the circle whenever the ball travelled forward, creating opportunities with width and space.
A great first game! Looking forward to more of this!
