Highlights of the week: great games in the U10 and U12 Newtown derbies and another win for Newtown Falcons in D2 Men which sees them knocking on the door for finals participation. Promising outlooks for the finals for all teams.
Under 10 Stead Park
Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Spirit 7-4
This was the third Newtown vs Newtown derby for 2025, and both teams (and the coaches) were keen for a win!
Spirit got off to a strong start, scoring the opening two goals early. The first came from a good second effort in a short corner, and the second despite all of Zach’s valiant efforts to defend! The Strikers soon responded with Georgia, Harry and Austin teaming up for nice passes into the D and a goal for Austin. A few minutes later Austin was back in the D scoring his second – scores level!
For the next 15 mins it was tough hockey. The Strikers worked hard trying to find another goal with more accurate passes from Harry and Ryder into D, but the strong defense from Spirit kept the scores level. Whenever the ball headed back the other way, Will was quick to tackle and intercept, whilst Lily, Zach and Elspeth all held strong in our defense whenever Spirit attacked their goal. A fast shot across goal by Spirit was ever-so-elegantly tapped away by Elspeth (phew!) however right before the half time whistle Spirit scored again. The Strikers were down 2-3 at half time, wondering whether their winning streak was about to end…
The second half kicked off with more good hockey seeing the ball traveling up and down the pitch. It wasn’t long before Austin eyed another opportunity – this time with a great pass to the top of the D where Georgia was ready to pounce and score her first for the game. Ryder tackled hard and put Spirit under pressure, and soon both Harry and Lily had opportunities to score which they made the most of – two goals for Harry and one for Lily.
With the score now at 6-3, Newtown Spirit fought back scoring a goal in an attempt to regain control. Georgia and Zach both stepped up to counter, before Austin added his third goal to the scorecard. Some last minute short corners for both teams went goal-less, and the last derby of the year was done – Strikers winning 7-4.
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers 4-7
Under 10 Lloyd Reserve
Newtown Rockets vs Newtown Jets 0-5
An even start to the game with Alex providing some strong defence in front of goals for Rockets. Great focus and proactive approach to the ball from Alex met the opposition attacks early and excellent passes out of danger to team mates limited scores.
David and Hadley showed awareness of team mates in position and made some great passes from the mifield. Nora, Tully and Zita on the forward line were keen to look for spaces and get the ball. Zita showed some fantastic skills with excellent spins to move forward while keeping the ball on her stick. Jets quick passes caught us out a few times and found players in good position to score.
Newtown Dynamos vs Newtown Rebels 5-0
This morning’s match took place under a drizzling rain that persisted for the entire match. Spirits weren’t dampened however with the Rebels and Dynamos providing a very competitive game.
Mathilda supported the Jets team due to low numbers in the first half and Flynn took over for the Jets in the second half.
All players really applied themselves and five goals were scored in the first half for the Dynamos. The goals weren’t easily achieved though with great defense being shown, and numerous Rebel attacking plays were barely contained.
The second half was even more competitive with players spending plenty of time in defensive and attacking situations at both ends of the ground.
Strong passing and many attempts at goal were seen by both sides. Definitely a more mature game is being seen at this stage in the season which is great to see.
Under 12
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers 4-1
It was time again for the Newtown Derby!
Spirit was led onto the field by 25 game milestone player Hugo as captain. It was a full team line up that included Sam taking the field after his jaw injury.
The ball went up and down the pitch with players on both teams energetically chasing the ball. It was a short corner in favour of Spirit, that was converted by Paddy, to put the first goal on the scoreboard. It was an excellent piece of play as Spirit have struggled all season to convert short corners.
Another goal to Paddy and one to Oliver had Spirit 3-1 up but it was when Ryder pushed his first goal for the season past the goalie that everyone cheered loudly.
One thing that we have come to learn is that the final scorecard of every derby does not accurately speak to how evenly the game was played. It’s such a joy to watch as a spectator.
Well done to ALL Newtown players.
Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Spirit 1-4
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Corio Red 2-6
Despite a 6-2 loss to Corio Red, the Newtown Strikers put in a fantastic performance, showing great hunger, determination, and team spirit across the field.
After a slow start, the team lifted in the second half to score two well-earned goals from set plays. Jack F and Sidak found the back of the net, capitalising on strong attacking opportunities.Albie had a standout game in goals, making several crucial saves and keeping the Strikers in the contest with his composure under pressure. Alexandra was rock-solid in her role all day, providing a reliable target in transition and linking well with teammates. She was supported by Mitch and Jack P, who worked tirelessly across the field to create opportunities and defend strongly. Defensively, Eva, Lucas, Eliza, Emily, and Lily were dependable and composed, repelling numerous Corio attacks with grit and excellent teamwork.
In the midfield, Alex, Chelsea, and Eliza ran hard all game—covering ground, applying pressure, and driving the team forward with energy and intent.
Although the result didn’t go their way, the Strikers can be proud of a resilient, team-first performance that showed real growth and commitment.
Under 16
Newtown Strikers vs Corio Red 6-13
Round 13 had the U16 playing on a Saturday rather than the usual Sunday against Corio Red. And for the first time this season we welcomed Winter to the team – great to have you on the pitch for Newtown, Winter!
As we’ve seen all year Corio got off to a strong start and were quickly on the scoreboard with the first three goals. Parker made their chances harder with good pressure, and just before the end of the first quarter a Newtown penalty 1v1 resulted in a goal for Oliver.
Our best quarter of the game was the second – with Kayden making some great saves (including a penalty 1v1!) and Oliver scoring another two goals. Parker joined the party and scored his first goal, followed by a Sidak and Jack team effort that resulted in a goal for Jack. The Strikers had won the quarter – 4 goals to 3!
Things continued well for Newtown at the start of the third, with Jess working hard to create opportunities and another goal from Oliver in a penalty 1v1. Despite strong defense from Winter, Cormac and Liz, Corio responded with four unanswered goals leaving the score at 6-11 at three quarter time.
Whilst not scoring any goals in the last, the Strikers put up a strong fight and made it hard for Corio. Kayden continued to make great saves, Cormac cleared the ball out of their D whenever he had the chance, and Jack made some nice passes into our D to create chances. Newtown had three more chances to score from penalty 1v1s that all went unlucky, but Corio were only able to add two more goals to their score. The final score: 6-13.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Torquay 0-5
Although it wasn’t a win for Newtown, under challenging conditions Falcons kept Torquay to a respectable scoreline, especially considering that Torquay have regularly been winning by 8 to 10 goals this season. The team tested out a new playing structure which took a little while to gel and this was where Torquay scored the majority of their goals.
It was nice to have Maggie W jet in for a guest appearance, looking just as fit and fast as ever!
There were a lot of positives to take away from the game. Well done everyone!
Division 2 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Corio 5-1
An overcast Sunday game saw Newtown’s Men take on a youthful looking Corio, and with a fast start, the mighty Maroons came away with a 5-1 win, making it two in a row and perhaps a sign of some end of season form. Having extra players on the bench made for a welcome sight as the veterans of our side relished the opportunity for a mid-game rest. The Hinett father-son duo was dangerous up forward with plenty of chances created, including an incredible Adham tomahawk from the baseline that hit the post. Young Parker showed his speed was too much for the opposition to handle, with blistering pace cutting in behind for a well-deserved goal. Tom P was everywhere, scoring two goals in an endorsement for the fitness component of field hockey. Dave and Adam were a wall in defence, with the only goal allowed being from highly skilled Corio passing. AJ also put one in the net, and combined with Ian, formed an excellent attack with Gavin on the wing. Tom McD and Mick B anchored the half-line brilliantly, with solid tackles and great width.
Now is the time to RSVP to our presentation night and stay healthy in the run to finals.
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Jaguars 3-5
Newtown Strikers faced Geelong again for the third time looking for a third win. However this was a much stronger and more experienced (and faster!) Geelong team which took the field. Strikers’ defence was put under pressure in the early part of the game, but handled it well, with Kayla and Kirsty in good position to delay the Geelong attack. Tash, Ricky and Andie worked hard to mark opponents and cut off avenues to goal, but Geelong’s speed saw them get past the defence and put the first goal on the board.
A second goal followed not long after when play continued despite Kirsty being on the receiving end of a heavy colllision which forced her from the field and prevented her from taking any further part in the game.
Strikers ‘never say die’ attitude came to the fore with Ivy, Jess and Tilly showing great speed and ball control to move the ball into attack and create scoring chances. Good co-operation with team mates from Lara, Peta, Kristy and Gemma, well supported by Benno in both midfield and forward roles saw Strikers threaten time and again.
Goals to Tilly (2) and a lovely goal from Ivy on a short corner.
The game ended on a very wet note, with a heavy downpour in the last 2 minutes of the game!
