Highlight of the week: fantastic game from U14 Strikers this week. Persistence and practice has paid off!
Under 10 Stead Park
Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Spirit 9-2
It was another Newtown City Hockey Club derby this weekend at Stead Park, with the U10 Strikers donning the yellow bibs to take on Spirit. This week was also Austin’s 25th game milestone – congratulations Austin!
The start of the first half showed a lot of determination from both teams. The Strikers had some early opportunities with Georgia, Harry and Ryder all having shots on goal without luck. Will and Zach were kept busy in the middle trying to stop Spirit’s attack, but eventually it was Spirit who scored the first goal. Game on!!
Harry was quick to turn up the heat and respond, putting Strikers first goal on the board. He continued to apply a lot of pressure to win the ball back, and it was long before a nice pass from Georgia back to Harry saw another goal being scored. Strikers’ third goal followed shortly after, a reverse of the second goal, with a shot into the D from Harry to Georgia who quickly sent it into the goals to score her first for the game.
With the score 3-1 at the half time break (and it feeling much closer than that out on the pitch) coach Ivy changed up the positions to bring Lily up into striker position. Back out on the pitch and Lily was quick to make the most of the change, scoring two quick goals – the second off a short corner.
Spirit responded soon after with their second goal, and then ramped up the pressure drawing two consecutive short corners. Our defenders were up to the task though, with neither troubling the goals.
With Austin getting a lot of the ball and sending into our D repeatedly, it wasn’t long before Harry scored another goal for the Strikers. And after that assist, Austin decided it was time to celebrate his 25th game by scoring a goal too!
In the final few minutes the Strikers surged, with several shots on goal from Georgia, Harry and Lilly – and two more goals to take the final score to 9-1.
A great game to watch from these two Newtown teams – and one that looked a lot closer on the pitch than it did on the scorecard. Future hockey stars in the making!!
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers 2-9
The match kicked off with Strikers applying strong early pressure, testing Spirit’s defence right from the outset. Eliza and Charlie responded with attacking intent— launching long-range shots, but Eliza’s attempt fell short as it was taken from outside the D.
Spirit struck first when Eliza delivered a sharp pass to Charlie on the right-hand side, who finished cleanly to open the scoring. Rupert providing some solid intercepts in the mid field.
Despite this strong start, Strikers regrouped and responded with a well-taken goal. Miriam held her ground in defence, stopping runs and covering space, but Strikers quickly followed up with two more quick goals, swinging momentum their way. Before the break, Miriam released a quick pass to Eliza, with Nadia pushing up in support, but they were unable to convert the chance. Albert provided some strong hit and follows across the midfield. The half ended with Spirit trailing 1–3, despite a promising showing.
The second half began in a similar fashion, with Strikers scoring two rapid goals, one of them coming from a well-executed short corner. Spirit pushed to get back into the game—Eliza linked with Nadia, threading a smart ball around the last defender. Nadia finished confidently to bring Spirit a much-needed goal, reducing the deficit.
Spirit continued to push forward, winning a short corner. Eliza and Charlie combined well, and although they worked the ball into space, the Strikers’ defence held firm. At the other end, Toby stepped up defensively—cutting out short corners and making key stops to slow Strikers’ momentum.
Despite this resistance, Strikers added four more goals as the game wore on. Spirit kept fighting, with several promising passages of play including runs from Charlie to Eliza and strong midfield movement from Albert and Rupert. However, converting those opportunities remained a challenge.
The final score was 9–2 in favour of Strikers. While the result didn’t go Spirit’s way, the team showed a solid first-half effort and encouraging team play. The early passages in both halves were promising, but fatigue and pressure took their toll late in each half. Even so, moments of smart passing, pressing, and individual effort showed the team’s potential and spirit.
Under 10 Lloyd Reserve
Another cold day starting at about 8 degrees, but as one parent commented ‘Oh it’s warmer today!’ And the sun warmed it up to a lovely day.
Thanks to Chris and Peter for providing the morning tea after the games. There wasn’t much left after the hungry hordes had finished!
Newtown Rockets vs Newtown Rebels 2-3
A great game from both teams with all players showing great development in skills and team strategies. Zita took on the job of defending the goal this week and made some great stops and passes out to team mates. A tendency to chase the ball sometimes saw a very crowded area on one side of the field and made it difficult to get the ball forward into attack. Everyone is keen to get the ball but we still need to learn about position play and creating spaces. Great defence in the midfield by Alex with excellent tackling skills and some lovely passing.
A position switch at half time saw Nora and Tully swap, and great interceptions from Nora allowed her to pass the ball wide to Tully’s advantage, and he followed up to score 2 goals. David and Alex worked really well together on the left and with some through passing along the side line, Rockets were able to get the ball into the circle more frequently, creating pressure on the defence. Excellent game Rockets!
Newtown Dynamos vs Newtown Jets 9-0
Another icy start for Round 8, Dynamos played a mighty game with only 4 players this week. They played against the Jets for the Under 10 junior competition at Lloyd Reserve.
This week saw some great fast pass outs from Florence and great tackling from Flynn. Georgia had the speedy shoes on to get the ball and Mathilda showed great support to get the ball down the pitch.
The team had to really work together to cover the ground. Lovely to see the team calling out to each other and looking for the space to get the ball around.
Thanks for the game and well done to both teams.
Under 12
Newtown Spirit vs Corio 3-5
Austin, who was celebrating his 25th game milestone with Newtown, led the team onto the field as captain.
The game started and immediately it went into Corio’s forward line. Goal keeper Leon and his defenders fought hard against two Corio short corners before they cleared the ball into Spirit’s forward line. A couple of near misses before Spirit pushed one past the keeper – GOAL!!
Back to the centre and yet again Spirit’s defence was under a lot of pressure. All defenders worked hard to clear the ball into the centre where Austin was waiting to receive, a massive push through to Oliver who passed to Mitchell and GOAL!! It was a beautiful display of teamwork that started back in defence.
Now the unthinkable was happening – Spirit were 2-0 up against the top of the ladder team.
Back to the centre followed by a quick goal to Corio. Then back to the centre again and the ball immediately went back to Corio’s forward line, but Spirit’s defenders were waiting, after a short corner opportunity to Corio the ball returned to Spirit’s forward line. Back and forth, both teams were under pressure. Another attempt at goal by Corio was successfully defended, followed by three short corners before Corio were able to capitalise. At half time the score was 2-2.
At half time the coaches discussed the strategy for Spirit to enhance our short corners – who runs out and who stays with the goalkeeper.
The second half was similar to the first half with defenders under pressure, the ball going up and down the pitch and attempts at goal by both teams. Three more goals to Corio and one more to Spirit.
At the end of the match the score was 5-3 Corio’s way. For the entire match, Spirit defenders were strong under pressure defending a huge amount of attempts on their goal, and Spirit attackers capitalised when the opportunity presented. It was a great game of teamwork – congrats team Spirit!
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 0-5
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 1-1
The Strikers battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Torquay in a match that highlighted resilience, teamwork, and growing cohesion. Despite a slow start, the team lifted their intensity and produced strong, confident hockey—applying sustained pressure and creating several scoring opportunities throughout the game.
The standout moment came from a well-rehearsed penalty corner set play, which led to a brilliant goal. A clean trap was followed by a powerful strike on goal from Jack F, with Jack P and Alexandra perfectly positioned on the post. After a deflection, Alexandra reacted quickly to finish it off with a composed tap-in. It was a textbook example of our game plan in action—rewarding the team’s training efforts and showing clear signs of progress.
The remainder of the match saw the Strikers continue to push for a winner while staying solid at the back. It was a true team performance, with players across the field stepping up and playing their roles with energy and purpose.
Our defensive unit was outstanding. Albie made multiple key saves, while Lily, Lucas, Alex, Emily, and Eliza worked together to intercept, slow down, and repel several Torquay attacking plays.
In the midfield, Chelsea and Mitchell ran tirelessly all game, playing vital linking roles between defence and attack. Their ability to move the ball forward and create space was instrumental in generating momentum and setting up our forwards.
Plenty of positives to take away from this one. A strong foundation to build on as we head into next week. Well done to the entire squad!
Under 16
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 1-12
The Strikers got off to a strong start this week, with Jess and Ivy working the ball into our D early. Whilst Torquay took first goal honours, the Strikers persisted and it wasn’t long before Ivy took advantage of a penalty 1v1 to level the scoreboard. Cormac and Liz were kept busy in defense, with Parker chipping in too to keep the ball out of Torquay’s goal.
The second quarter started with two great saves from Kayden in goalie, who continued to impress his team mates and those watching from the stands with his keeping skills. Meanwhile Jess, celebrating game number 50, was working hard up front but without luck from two hits on goal.
Sidak pushed up forward in the third quarter, and was able to find a foot in the D for another penalty 1v1 which unfortunately went begging. The Strikers’ bad luck continued, with two more 1v1s in the quarter going the same way.
Torquay continued to attack hard through the fourth quarter, and despite some good defensive tackles on two occasions from Cormac and Sofia to save two goals, Torquay won the match 12-1.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Torquay 2-7
Division 2 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Torquay 0-5
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong 4-0
Another fantastic game from Strikers this week, who dominated the play and rarely allowed Geelong any significant attacks. Strong defence by all with Sarah and Tash meeting any threat early. Anything which did get into the defensive 25 was soon met and repelled by Andie, Kirsty and Hannah R, leaving the keeper very little to do. Geelong’s tendency to sit a forward very deep in their attacking area did create some uncertainty at times but Strikers handled it well.
The superstars (Chelsea, Tilly, Jess, Hanna, Lara and Kristy) on our forward line continue to show great ball control skills, spinning onto the forestick to maintain control and leave opponents out of position. And again this week, support from the midfield and inners for forwards taking the ball into attack has allowed tactical back passes to create space and continue to control the play. Kristy was everywhere this week, and jumped on anything which came her way, making some great passes across the circle to teammates just waiting to score. Some effective short corner strategies are great to watch. Goals to Tash, Tilly (2) and Sarah.
