Under 10 Stead Park
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Jaguars 8-1
This week the team celebrated Lily’s 25th game milestone – congratulations Lily!!
The Geelong Jags proved to be an equal match for the Strikers in the first half, with the ball (and players) moving up and down the field throughout half, but neither team having any luck on the scoreboard. Zach and Harry both had attempts on goal without luck, and Elspeth and Austin worked tirelessly to defend and keep Jags from scoring. Despite several short corners for both teams, it was 0-0 at half time.
At the half time break the team made the most of the oranges whilst listening closely to coach Ivy – and were quickly back out onto the pitch for a very different second half. Georgia started the action early with a good run into our D and passing to Harry who just missed a goal, but Georgia was soon on for a shot to score our first goal.
The Jags then came back with a short corner that we were able to defend off, but soon enough they found the net, leveling the scorecard 1-1.
Ryder and Harry both scored next, and then Ryder scored again – already it was 4-1!! And to celebrate the 25 game milestone in style, Lily showed some impressive skills running the ball through the midfield, making some great intercepts and eventually scoring some goals too.
Austin and Will worked hard in the middle to keep the ball up our end, and the constant teamwork shown by the Strikers resulted in another goal for Ryder. A last minute short corner for Newtown saw Lily score her third for the match, completing another win for the team: 8-1. Go Strikers!
Newtown Spirit vs Saints 1-2
Newtown Spirit continued their season in Round 5 with a spirited performance against the Saints side. The game began with an early goal to Saints, but Spirit quickly responded with pressure of their own. A well-earned short corner signalled Spirit’s attacking intent, and Charlie was instrumental early on with a key defensive clearance that set the tone at the back. Moments later, a brilliant team move saw Miriam send a precise pass to Eliza, supported by Nadia in the centre. Eliza calmly finished to score Spirit’s opening goal, capping off some excellent link-up play. Miriam’s long passes continued to find targets, including a powerful hit to Eliza that advanced play deep into Saints territory.
Defensively, Charlie and Miriam were rock solid, while Nadia and Eliza caused problems for the opposition with strong forward runs from the midfield and right-hand side. Despite the pressure, no further goals were added before halftime, with the score locked at 1–1.
In the second half, Toby delivered a strong clearance from the centre, helping Spirit absorb early Saints pressure. Charlie continued his excellent form in defence, but a quick attacking burst from Saints down the right resulted in their second goal. Spirit didn’t back down—two short corners saw near misses from both Nadia and Charlie, and a sharp shot on goal from Miriam was unfortunately ruled out due to a foul. Toby and Miriam stood strong in the final stages, with Miriam making several critical clearances under intense pressure from the Saints. Albert and Rupert played important supporting roles in the midfield across both halves, getting involved with several key touches and helping Spirit transition between defence and attack.
Though the final score was a 2–1 win to Saints, the match was a true team effort from Spirit, showcasing growth, resilience, and excellent passages of play. The team continues to gel well, with strong contributions across the field.
Under 10 Lloyd Reserve
Newtown Dynamos vs Newtown Jets 8-1
For round 5, U10 Juniors at Lloyd Reserve we had the Dynamos Vs Jets. The score was 8 to 1.
Thanks to AJ (Sophie’s dad) who kindly stepped in as coach this week .
This week even with a few players short (winter time germs everywhere), the Dynamos had Michaela, Florence, Mathilda, Sophie and Abbie stepped in from another team to help make us a 5 people team.
The team worked really well with some good passing, with Florence and Michaela both setting up some really good goals.
Sophie showed some good receiving on the wing. Mathilda and Abbie doing some great central ground work. The tackling and action of the team saw them victorious this week. Thanks to the Jets for competing. Well done everyone
Newtown Rockets vs Newtown Rebels 4-0
Rockets continue to demonstrate good ball control skills and excellent passing to team mates. With the play more spread out each week, there are good opportunities to move the ball into attack and players are keen to follow up and keep the pressure on the opposition.
We welcomed Hadley for her first game of hockey and she showed some great tackling skills and good co-operation with team mates. Confident approaches to the ball by David and Alex allowed Rockets to gain possession and control the play. Thanks to Nora for filling in for the other game in the first half, with her strength in both defence and attack being valuable in the second half. Tully was again in the right place at the right time to score two goals. Well done team.
Under 12
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Roar 3-0
It was an exciting clash between Newtown Strikers and Geelong Roar, with both teams putting on a great display of skill and teamwork.
In the first half, Vicki impressed with plenty of running along the wing and held her position well. James opened the scoring for Newtown with a well-executed goal from a short corner. A strong run up forward by Felix, with Paddy in support, kept the pressure on Geelong.
The second half saw the game really open up as Newtown strengthened their positioning. There was some excellent passing play from James to Dot to Vicki, creating good attacking opportunities. Geelong had a few near chances, but Thomas’s solid defence and Henry’s outstanding goalkeeping kept them at bay.
Newtown continued to shine with great link-up passes from Mitch to James to Paddy, supported by Dot in attack. Paddy had a brilliant run forward, again with Dot backing him up. Henry was once again crucial in goal, and his excellent clearance set up a flowing move involving Edward, Vicki, and Dot that pushed Newtown deep into attack.
Felix was rewarded for his persistence up front with a goal, and James capped off a fantastic performance with a late goal, assisted by Dot.
A huge team effort from Newtown all around! Special thanks to Paddy and Mitch for stepping in before their own game at 10:15 – legends!
Newtown Spirit vs Geelong Thunderstrike 4-2
It was a big match for milestone players this week. Led onto the field by 50 gamer Paddy as captain, he quickly showed us his match experience by scoring the first goal. This was quickly followed by another goal from Oliver and yet another goal by Paddy. The ball went up and down the pitch many times, Thunderstrike were applying good pressure but Leon managed to fend off some attempts at goal.
At half time Spirit was 3-1 up. Players and coaches noted good passing and tackling. A quick chat from the umpire as a reminder to keep back a distance of five at penalties.
Thunderstrike scored a goal early in the second half and it was now back to a tight game. A goal by Lily (25 gamer) and team Spirit finished the match 4-2 up.
Two goals to Paddy, one each to Oliver and Lily. Congratulations to milestone players Paddy (50 games) and Lily (25 games).
Having played every team in the competition we now start again with Torquay. It will great to see how the team has grown together over the past month since last playing Torquay.
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 0-1
Despite an improved team performance and numerous scoring opportunities, we fell just short in a tightly contested 1-0 defeat to Torquay.
From the first whistle, we applied pressure and created several clear chances in front of goal. Unfortunately, Torquay’s goalkeeper was in top form, pulling off a string of excellent saves to deny us time and again. Jack F, Eliza ,Alex L , Jack P, Alexandra, Mitchell all ran hard and linked up well to create these chances.
Defensively, we were solid throughout the match. Our defensive unit of Lucas, Albie, Eva, Lilly, Matt and Emily held firm, showing composure and resilience under pressure, and keeping Torquay’s attacking threats largely at bay apart from their lone goal.
There were plenty of positives to take away from the game. We saw noticeable improvement in our overall play, especially in our passing and tackling. The team moved the ball with greater confidence and linked up well through midfield, creating attacking momentum across both halves.
Although the result didn’t go our way, the performance showed real promise and laid a strong foundation to build on for the next game.
Under 16
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 4-7
This week the U16 Strikers were without goalkeeper Kayden, but despite this the team still put on a good show (and appreciated a little extra help for the second half!).
Parker continued to show his appetite for fast hockey and shooting at the goals, running at the ball and looking for a goal from the start. Despite some good defensive work early on from Jess and Cormac, Torquay were awarded an early penalty 1v1. Without Kayden, a fearless Liz donned the defender mask and showed the team how it’s done – defending off the Torquay striker’s attempt for goal. An amazing effort Liz!!
Throughout the first half the Strikers had a few opportunities on goal, with Parker and Ivy both shooting for the back of the net without luck. Cormac, Sidak and Liz fought hard in defense to push Torquay back but without Kayden’s saves, Torquay had the upper hand. At the end of half Torquay were up 7-0.
At the half time break a generous offer came from Torquay – their goalie Luke was keen to cover for Kayden (and show the Torquay strikers his skills too!). Luke was straight into the action, impressing everyone on field (and in the stands) with a save using his stick alone! A high ball in the air, on target to go in at the top of the net, and Luke was all over it – thanks Luke!
The Strikers went about the next half knowing that they now had the upper hand, and they made the most of it. Parker started the half much the same as the first, but this time he found the back of the net to put our first goal on the board.
From there, the goals started to flow for the Strikers. First it was Jess who ran in from well outside the D, past several Torquay players before scoring her first goal for the day. Then Jess nicely assisted Ivy to her first – great team play!
With the score at 7-3 towards the end of the game, Parker found a foot for a penalty 1v1 and was able to convert to a goal, ending the game 7-4 in Torquay’s favour. Torquay went goal-less in the second half – something positive for the team to take into next round.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons Bye
Division 2 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Corio 2-1
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 2-1
A much better game for Strikers this week, after the initial confusion when we realised that we only had 10 players on the field. Despite strong defence for Strikers from Zali and Ricki and Tash meeting the ball high, Torquay managed to slip into the goal circle to score 2 field goals. Torquay’s tendency to place both wings very deep in our defence area created some difficulties for our midfield players and led to space in attack for Torquay.
Great work by our forwards with Tilly, Ivy, Jess and Lara working well together. Great position and determination from Deidre, Kristy and Peta kept the ball moving forward and there were a number of ‘how did that miss’ moments in front of goal.
The second half saw Strikers rebound and continue to work hard to get the ball into attack. Stephanie at full back provided some attacking impetus and some important interceptions by Hanna blocked a number of Torquay attacks. Thoughtful moves to space in the forward line by Hanna also provided opportunities to move the ball sideways to space and spearheaded further shots at goal. Tilly continued her great form and was the successful goal scorer although there were lots more attempts. Torquay did not manage to earn any attacking short corners for the whole game but the first half scores were important in the end. Well done all.
