Highlight of the week: great game from U16 Strikers with some fantastic attacks and some equally great saves by Kayden in goals!
Under 10 Stead Park
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 10-2
Despite a very cold morning (featuring ice on the pitch!) it was another strong start from the Strikers this week with Georgia and Harry playing out wide to get the ball into our D. It wasn’t long before Lily made the most of the opportunities and scored our first goal.
Torquay tried to equalise, however as always Elspeth was too good on the goal line clearing the ball out of danger.
The team soon picked up the pace, and thanks to some great team work the goals started to come fast! Georgia put the next three goals on the scoreboard, thanks to assists and good balls from Lily and Harry. And whenever Torquay got the ball, it wasn’t long before Zach intercepted and got the ball back on his stick and up our end for the next shot on goal!
Just before the halftime whistle Lily overcame some strong defense in the D to score her second, followed by a great assist from Zach on to Harry for another goal. 6-0 at halftime!
In the second half the goals continued to flow, with Lily not only scoring three of them, but also doing some great defensive work in Torquay’s D and saving a goal!
Austin and Zach continued to impress with their high work rate, intercepting the ball whenever Torquay had it. Torquay were able to get two goals on the board in the half, despite the Strikers best efforts to defend.
Shortly before the final whistle Austin scored our final goal – a great shot off a great pass from Lily.
The final score: 10-2
Newtown Spirit vs Corio 5-6
The match began with Corio opening the scoring early, catching Spirit slightly off guard. Spirit quickly settled into the game and began applying strong pressure. Eliza fired a long-range effort from the middle of the pitch, but the shot was just too far out. Both Eliza and Nadia pressed hard, forcing errors in Corio’s backline. Spirit earned three short corners in succession, but despite the buildup, they couldn’t find the finishing touch.
In defence, Rupert held firm in the centre, providing a reliable backstop against Corio’s counters. Albert pushed forward with pace and energy, combining with Rupert to keep the pressure on. One of the best moments of the half came when Eliza played a sharp short pass to Miriam, who distributed the ball with a series of impressive long-range passes to shift play. Still, despite Spirit’s control and attacking intent, the half ended goalless.
The second half saw Spirit step up with urgency. Albert intercepted a pass and burst forward, linking with Eliza, who slotted home the opening goal for Spirit with a confident finish. Corio responded quickly to draw ahead. Toby then stepped up with a pair of key defensive plays, cutting out Corio’s advances and keeping Spirit in the game.
Spirit continued to press, and Eliza found the net again to draw the score level. Corio, however, were not done, replying with a goal. Toby again stood tall at the back, anchoring the defence during a critical stretch. As the game wore on, Miriam and Nadia worked tirelessly through the middle, covering ground and linking play.
Corio capitalised on their chances with another quick goal, putting Spirit under pressure. Miriam then sparked a strong move through the centre, finding Nadia on a driving run—but the final shot couldn’t find the net. Corio added another goal shortly after to extend their lead.
In the closing stages, Spirit found fresh energy. Nadia delivered a centre pass to Eliza, who drove up the left-hand side. As defenders closed in, Nadia peeled off to draw players inward, allowing Eliza to cut inside and finish smartly for her third goal. Spirit weren’t done yet—Miriam surged through the middle in the final moments and rifled home a well-taken goal to close the match on a high.
Despite the 6–5 loss, Spirit showed a strong team game and the never-give-up attitude right to the final whistle.
Under 10 Lloyd Reserve
It was a cold and frosty start at Lloyd Reserve, even by 9 am.
Newtown Rockets vs Newtown Jets 3-5
The cold weather meant it was a good reason to get out and run around, and Rockets did some great running with the ball. Nora showed her usual great desire to get to the ball first and gain possession for Rockets. With support from Zita and Tully, Rockets were able to move the ball into attack on a number of occasions and keep the Jets players under pressure. Alex warmed up and made some great passes to team mates in good position. Excellent defence close to the goals by David, who kept his composure and control of the ball even when surrounded by the opposition. Goals to Tully (2) and Nora (1).
Newtown Dynamos vs Newtown Rebels 10-3
After a week off to enjoy the Kings Birthday long weekend, the Dynamos played Round 7 against Rebels in the Juniors U10 at Lloyd Reserve. It was an icy yet sunny morning with the score coming in at 10 v 3.
To help balance out team numbers, it was great sportsmanship shown with Florence and Flynn each playing half a game for the Rebels to balance out the numbers. Despite the cold, the team were jovial and collaborating well. Michaela and Mathilda each rocketing along with 4 goals a piece and supported by Georgia and Flynn who both scored 1 goal each. Dynamos also welcome William to the Newtown Hockey Club.
Well done everyone for chipping in and playing a good game.
Newtown Rebels vs Newtown Dynamos 3-10
With a number of regular Rebels players missing this week, and thanks to William, Michaela and Florence for helping out, Rebels played some great hockey. A first goal scored for Esther was fantastic to see. Thanks to Ferg for coaching and lending his expertise and to Nicholas for managing the team.
Newtown Jets vs Newtown Rockets 5-3
The Newtown Jets played the Newtown Rockets on a frosty morning. It was so cold and frosty we could have played ice hockey. The Rockets rocketed to a 3-1 lead before the Jets came back. For the Jets second goal, Leila pushed the ball hard into a gap and Tess ran onto the ball and scored. It was a great team goal. Just before halftime the Jets earned a penalty push and levelled the score.
In the second half the Jets continued to play well as a team. They took frees quickly, spread out, pushed the ball hard, and tackled like lions. As the game continued, Zoey got more and more of the ball, and looked like she had been playing for years, not weeks. It was a Sister Act for the fourth goal. Saskia fought hard for the ball, won it, pushed towards goal and Leila tapped the ball in. With a few minutes to go Os scored. The final score was 5-3.
Under 12
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers 2-1
Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Spirit 1-2
In a much-anticipated local derby between the two Newtown U12 teams, the Strikers and Spirit turned on a fantastic display of junior hockey filled with determination, teamwork, and great moments.
Spirit got on the board first with an early goal, capitalising on some quick attacking play. Strikers responded well, maintaining pressure and pushing for an equaliser. The breakthrough came late in the first half when Thomas calmly pushed the ball toward goal, causing chaos in the Spirit defence. An illegal stop with the foot resulted in a penalty stroke — an automatic goal. With that, the scores were locked at 1-1 heading into the break.
Halftime brought a chance to regroup — and enjoy the peel-free oranges lovingly prepared by Fi, who also stepped in to help at the canteen. Huge thanks to her for keeping the team fuelled and the snacks hygienic!
The second half was a tight contest, with both teams giving it their all. Spirit edged ahead with another goal and managed to hold off several strong attempts by Strikers to equalise.
There were many standout efforts across the field. Joe was lively throughout, helping drive the Strikers forward. Felix made some brilliant saves to deny Spirit more goals, and Harry made several impressive runs, keeping the Spirit defence under pressure.
Final score: Spirit 2, Strikers 1 — a great game played in the true spirit of Newtown hockey. Well done to both teams!
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Corio Red 0-6
In a challenging outing, the Strikers fell short against Corio Red, with the final scoreline 6-0, reflecting a tough day out!.
The team’s performance was patchy throughout the match, with glimpses of promise but lacking consistent execution. Mitchell, Jack F, Alex, Sidak, Harriet and Chelsea and Alexandra created a few solid opportunities from the middle and up forward, but despite their efforts, we lack the polish to convert.
Defensively, Albie (goalkeeper) , Lucas, Eva, Lily , Liz, Jack P, Emily, Eliza held strong for large periods, with the backline absorbing significant pressure. However, the midfield unit, struggled to gain and maintain possession, limiting the team’s ability to transition into attack and support the forward line.
The team will look to regroup and sharpen its midfield connections ahead of the next fixture, aiming to bring a more cohesive and complete performance across all areas of the pitch.
Under 16
Newtown Strikers vs Corio Red 5-12
This week the Strikers played Corio Red for only the second time this year, and hoped to get a few more goals on the board than the single goal we scored against them in round 1!
Quarter 1 was strong, with Ivy and Jess getting the ball up to our end early, then a nice pass from Liz to Jess for a shot on a goal just missed. Whilst Corio were soon on the scorecard with two goals, Parker was quick to ramp up the pressure to stop their run. Cormac provided a great pass to Jess who shot at goal – this time it went in but unfortunately the whistle blew first for the first break.
In the second quarter success came, with Ivy running the ball into the D and shooting a goal, followed by another goal from Jess after a good pass from Parker. Corio responded with a couple of goals, and then Ivy drew a penalty 1v1 and converted it for our third goal! The half ended with the score 7-3 Corio’s way.
The second half tested our defenders, with Kayden making several excellent saves, and Cormac and Sidak working hard to stop Corio’s strikers. In the third quarter (after one of Kayden’s great saves in a penalty 1v1) Parker was able to work the ball to Ivy for another successful shot of goal. This was easily the Strikers best quarter: both on the pitch and on the scorecard only allowing Corio to add one goal to their score.
In the final quarter Liz and Sidak continued to be strong in the midfield, with some great passes from Liz and good use of the boards from Sidak. After some more Corio goals, Parker decided to take on a defender when he had the ball and his efforts paid off: getting the ball past them and then into goal for the Strikers fifth! A late surge from Corio saw us defending three penalty 1v1s, but Kayden was up to it, blocking all but one.
Whilst the final score didn’t go our way (12-5), the Strikers showed great determination and teamwork! In the 1st and 3rd quarters our defense only allowed 3 goals through, and in the 2nd quarter our forwards worked well together to get 3 goals on the board. Lots of positives to build on for the next game!
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Saints 1-5
In what would turn out to be a frustrating game, although the game was evenly matched and Newtown often had the momentum, it unfortunately didn’t result in any goals other than Kim’s conversion from a well earned short corner.
Regardless of the outcome, the quality of play and consistent pressure that was applied across the field was a great reminder of how far we’ve come this season and the never give up attitude displayed by everyone on the team.
At the halfway point of the season, we’ve got a lot of work to do, particularly given that there are now 5 teams in the D1 competition with only 4 going through to the finals.
Division 2 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Saints Red 2-1
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Saints Red 3-0
The best game yet for Strikers, maintaining control of the play for the majority of the game. With strong defence led by Tash and Kayla and well supported by Ricki, Hannah R, Sarah and Andie, Saints were unable to make much impact early in the game. Excellent leading to space and super ball control in the midfield by Jess, Tilly, Chelsea, Hanna W saw the play move to the circle on numerous occasions where Lara and Kristy were always ready to receive the ball and try for a goal.
Clarice and Sarah were adaptable and able to play in both attack and defence, with great linking play, and both found themselves on the score sheet at the end of the game. Paul’s dream premonition of 3 goals for Tilly didn’t pan out, but a goal for Jess confirmed the end result.
Ricki unfortunately sustained an injury in the first quarter and was unable to continue. Hopefully she will be back soon to continue her important role in the team.
