Highlight of the week: some school holiday forfeits led to a friendly game between our U14 and U16 teams – played in a fantastic spirit.
Under 10 Stead Park
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Jaguars 10-5
The game this week started off with a very early goal for Jags – and if they weren’t already fully awake, the Strikers quickly were! It wasn’t long before Ryder and Harry paired up to respond, and an equally early goal from Harry had the scores back level. Georgia, Zach and Lily all worked hard to intercept and defend the Jags players, but a short corner for Newtown that was nicely converted to a goal by Zach had the Strikers out to an early lead.
Harry soon scored his second, followed by another goal for Lily after she switched up positions from defense. Georgia and Elspeth ensured the Jags couldn’t trouble us down their end, whilst Ryder continued to have a great game with another assist to Lily for her second.
Some great plays in the field were on display in the later part of the half – a nice switch from Georgia to Zach across the pitch and into the D for Ryder was a great piece of play to watch, as was the pressure Zach piled onto the Jags players in the middle. A nice pass into Harry in the D almost resulted in another goal, but it was the back-and-forth passes from Ryder and Harry that eventually resulted in the last goal of the half for Harry. The Strikers led 6-1 at half time.
In the second half the teams went goal for goal – starting with Georgia’s first goal of the match after yet another assist from Ryder. Despite Zach’s efforts to defend the Jags responded with a goal, but that too got another goal in response from Georgia. The Jag’s goal/Georgia goal pattern played out once more – with Harry in the D assisting both. Great team work from everyone!
A series of short corners towards the end of the game were kept out by good efforts from Elspeth and Lily, and then a “team goal” was scored for the Strikers – Harry, Georgia, Ryder and Elspeth all working hard to make sure the ball got into the net.
The Jags scored the final goal for the game, but it was Newtown with the win: 10-5.
Newtown Spirit vs Saints 3-1
Under 10 Lloyd Reserve
Newtown Rockets vs Newtown Jets 1-2
The Rockets team continues to improve each week, with Nora and Alex showing great focus and determination to get the ball. Tully took a turn at defending the goal this week, and stopped many of Jets’ forward moves, keeping the score low.
Even with a sore hand, Hadley worked hard to gain possession and was always looking for a team mate to pass to. The second half saw some great passes along the left side from Alex to David and allowed us to move into attack on a number of occasions. Thanks to Zita for filling in for Jets, making some great position and some great passes to space.
Newtown Jets vs Newtown Rockets 2-1
Newtown Rebels vs Newtown Dynamos 0-5
Newtown Dynamos vs Newtown Rebels 5-0
Under 12
Newtown Spirit vs Geelong Thunderstrike 2-1
It was an eerily quiet morning at Stead Park with many players away on school holiday adventures. Those that were available to play made the most of their time on the pitches. Of the 13 players taking the pitch for team Spirit, eight players had already played a game that morning. Three players had already played U10, two Spirit had filled in on the U12 Strikers team and three U12 Strikers filled in for Spirit.
It was a battle of two very even teams, the ball went up and down the pitch all game. The goalies were very rarely challenged, as the ball mostly remained fought over in the middle of the pitch.
Spirit scored early in the first half thanks to a brilliant goal by Paddy. Late in the second half Geelong equalled the scoreboard. It wasn’t until very late in the second half that a goal by Edward S put Spirit ahead and that how the scoreboard remained with a 2-1 win to Spirit.
Hugo walked the sidelines offering his advice for the team which was a positive sign for his recovery. Spirit is hoping to see him back out on the pitch for our next match against Corio.
Goals to Paddy and Edward S.
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Roar 2-4
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Corio 5-0 (forfeit)
Under 16
Newtown Strikers vs Corio 5-0 (forfeit)
Under 14 / Under 16 Friendly
Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Strikers 6-4
With Corio U14 and U16s taking an early school holiday, a friendly played between the two Newtown Strikers teams was an awesome way for our two great teams to show their skills – and see who could walk away with bragging rights!
It was great to see some familiar faces out on the field too, with the holiday game meaning Binuli, Winter and Oliver could all join us for the morning. With the 14s in maroon and the 16s in white (and an assortment of maroon and white socks keeping the umpires busy!) the game started with a goal from an early short corner for the 16s – great stuff, Ivy!
Speaking of umpires, for the first time since this match report can remember, it was great to have both Lyndal and Tony – two of the best – out on the field keeping the friendly… friendly! Thank you both 🙂
The 16s continued their strong start, with Jess putting the 14s players under pressure and Parker showing off his speed and skills in the middle for a nice intercept. Cormac was strong in defense (meaning Kayden was having a quiet game for a change!) and it wasn’t long before Jess and Oli assisted Ivy to her second. Go 16s!
The 14s soon decided that it was their turn for some fun, with Jack H, Chelsea and Lucy pairing up in the D to attack the goals, but Kayden was having none of it with his first save for the day. It was soon back up the other end, and after a miss from Jess, Parker found the back of the net for the 16s third unanswered goal.
For the rest of the half things started to equal out, with some great defensive plays from Lucas O, pressure from Binuli, strong defense up and down the field from Winter, and more misses on goal from the 16s all making for a great contest to watch. The half time score: 16s up, 3-0
After what must have been quite the motivational speech from PR at half time, the 14s came out strong with an early goal from Lucy – high in the net too. More attempts on goal had Kayden busy again, and after a short corner went begging the 14s soon had their second. It was game on!
Seemingly already tired and perhaps not used to the full field, the 16s regrouped with Parker and Oli teaming up for Parker’s second. The 14s responded with a goal from Chelsea, and despite more attempts from the 16s on goal they had no such luck.
At 4-3 the 16s way, it was clearly time for some friendly drama!! The 14s drew a short corner – and scored a GOAL – leveling the score 4-4! With the 14s supporters still cheering and players heading back to the center, the umpires blew the whistle to pause the game and convene in the middle… As if time stopped, and with everyone’s eyes fixed on the umpires, the call came – “the ball did not come out of the D… NO GOAL”. No one could believe it!!
Not wanting to lose the lead, the 16s were back on with Liz getting the ball out of the 14s attack and up to Jess and Parker in the D. Both shots and misses ensued, with Albie making a great save in the goals to keep the 14s in it.
With only a quarter of the game remaining, the equaliser for the 14s came thanks to a handy goal from Chelsea – and this one wasn’t overturned! Before long the 14s were back in their D and trying to find the lead, but the ever-present Kayden was having none of it with a fantastic save. What a game!
The 16s dug deep to find some reserve fuel in their tanks, and Oli and Parker were back into the D again trying to find a goal. An excellent stop from Albie on the first attempt, but the second was too much and Parker had his third.
The 14s weren’t giving up without a fight – a late shot on goal missed, and Jack H’s relentless pressure on Jess won him the ball – but they were unable to find the back of the net. A late goal from Oliver (from a nice hit down the ground from Parker) sealed the game for 16s: 6-4.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons Bye
Division 2 Men
Newtown Falcons Bye
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 1-1
This was another close game with Torquay, finishing with a well fought draw this time.
Strikers’ defence was again very important in the game, with Kirsty and Tash frequently cutting off the Torquay attacks outside the circle. Proactive midfield play and good marking by Hannah, Sarah, Kim and Ruby was able to turn the play to our advantage and send the ball forward again. Tash also pushed forward into attack, working well with Hanna, Peta and Clarice to create opportunities. Kristy and Lara made themselves available with great position on the wings.
Thanks to our goal scorer, Ruby, for filling in, adding strength all over the field.
