Highlight of the week: persistence and practice are paying off for U14 Strikers with a great game against Corio White.
Under 10 Stead Park
Newtown Strikers vs Saints 6-4
This week Strikers started strong: an early goal from Georgia, a great clearance from Will in the opposition’s D, and Harry putting plenty of pressure on his opponent. Whilst Saints were able to respond with their first goal, Ryder and Zach worked hard to keep the ball up our end. With a nice assist from Georgia, Zach added a goal to the scorecard, followed quickly by another from Ryder.
Continuing to impress deep in defense, Elspeth made some great saves in front of goal, and with plenty of help from Will and Lily the ball was soon back up our end. Just before the half time break Austin added our fourth goal to the board – the fourth scorer for the half, and a great indicator of just how well the Strikers were playing as a team!
After some well deserved oranges at half time, the second half started much like the first with an early Strikers goal (Ryder) and a quick goal in response from Saints. Zach and Harry continued to pile on the pressure with their tackling skills, and after missing on the first attempt, Ryder’s second attempt bagged his third goal for the game.
Saints had some luck late in the half scoring two consecutive goals to take the score to 6-4 (in our favour), but it wasn’t long before Austin swung the momentum back around with a lovely pass to Lily who added another goal to her season’s tally. After a couple of Saints short corners (the second quickly cleared by Georgia), Lily finished the game with our final goal, sealing the win for the team – 8-4.
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 9-2
Newtown Spirit put together a commanding performance in Round 6 against Torquay, delivering their most complete game of the season with a 9–2 victory.
The match began with Torquay striking early to take the lead, but Spirit responded instantly. Miriam burst down the left-hand side with a powerful run, slotting home a confident finish just a minute after to level the scores. Torquay answered back quickly with another goal, momentarily halting Spirit’s momentum. After taking a few minutes to reset, Spirit began to build their rhythm. Albert’s run down the right wing with a hit-and-chase created real attacking pressure, while Nadia held firm in defence near Spirit’s goal. A key attacking move saw Albert and Charlie combine on the left to find Miriam, with long-range shot from the right-hand side.
The breakthrough came soon after when Charlie and Eliza combined on the right—after the ball hit a Torquay foot, Miriam pounced on the advantage and slammed home the goal. Charlie followed up with a goal of his own soon after, capping off an excellent build-up involving Toby’s strong defensive play on the right, a pass to Eliza, then back to Toby and through to Charlie for the finish. Miriam continued her influence on the game, intercepting a Torquay pass and unleashing a big hit that found the back of the net for her third goal. A short corner to Spirit led to another brilliant sequence—Albert shut down a Torquay clearance, fed the ball to Miriam, who passed to Eliza for a well-taken goal just before halftime.
Spirit carried their momentum into the second half. A strong central clearance set up Charlie for his third goal of the match. Torquay won a short corner, but Spirit defended it superbly, keeping their lead intact. Nadia then charged down the right side, feeding Charlie for a shot that resulted in another short corner. Miriam’s shot was blocked, but Eliza capitalised on the rebound with a clinical finish. The final stages showcased more passing and attacking combinations. A long run down the left from Miriam, with Nadia in support, set up Eliza for another goal. From the restart, Spirit quickly turned over possession and Eliza struck again, sealing her hat-trick and closing out the match.
This was a powerful team performance from Spirit, blending solid defence with sharp attacking combinations. Miriam, Charlie, and Eliza starred in front of goal, while Albert, Nadia, and Toby played pivotal supporting roles. The team’s continued cohesion and growth were on full display in this standout 9-2 win.
Under 10 Lloyd Reserve
Newtown Rockets vs Newtown Dynamos 2-10
Rockets began the game well with Zita trying her skills defending the goal. Good positioning allowed her to clear the ball to team mates and Nora, Alex and Michaela were able to move the ball forward into attack. Our attack was a little one sided, mostly down the right and trying to get through the crowd but there were some great through passes to Michaela along the side line which were then followed into the circle. 2 goals scored by Michaela
The second half saw David swap to the defence role and block the approach line to the goal for Rockets, with a number of great saves and clearances out of danger. Florence created some good space on the right and Rockets were able to mount more co-ordinated forward play and give the Dynamos defence some work to do, unfortunately without a result on the scoreboard despite the determination of the Rockets players.
Thanks to Michaela and Florence for filling in for Rockets.
Newtown Rebels vs Newtown Jets 2-1
Under 12
Newtown Spirit vs Torquay 1-1
The match started with Torquay quickly moving the ball into their forward line but it didn’t stay there for long. Spirit took control and ran the ball down the pitch which resulted in a missed shot at goal and a two short corners. Torquay was strong in defence. The ball went back to Torquay’s forward line, a few short corners put goalkeeper Leon under pressure before a goal was disallowed on height, then another attempt resulted in a goal. The ball continued to go up and down the field with good passing and pressure from both teams.
At half time Torquay was ahead one goal to nil. Coaches reminded the players that when we get a penalty in our favour, attackers should leave it for the defence and push forward to accept the ball. This is something that the team did well in the second half.
We started the second half with the ball in our possession. Similar to the first half the ball went up and down the pitch many times.
Remembering back to round 1, in the second half Spirit tired resulting in six additional goals going Torquay’s way. Today, at the exact same time, team Spirit lifted. A series of brilliant passing between players resulted in a goal to Mitchell. The score was now 1-1.
There were only minutes left on the clock, and the ball immediately went back into Spirit’s forward line. Then the whistle marked the end of play. Although a draw on the scorecard, it was a huge win for Spirit!
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Thunderstrike 5-0
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Corio White 0-1
The Strikers marched off the field amidst the overwhelming applause of the spectators. The Strikers performed exceedingly well against a strong Corio White’s team that had players who play in the mens Division 1 and 2 teams.
What impressed me most about the Strikers was their sheer determination to challenge every ball and not give the opposition an easy run of the game. Our defence marshalled by Albie H, Lilly P, Lucas O, Emily S and Elizabeth C was solid. They were successful in keeping Corio out of our D most of the game.
The midfield was strong the whole game. The pressured Corio’s attackers and forced them to make errors. They fed the ball to our forwards and supported them in attack. Eliza B, Emily S, Elizabeth C, Jack F, Alex L and Eva H put on a solid show.
Mitchell B, Chelsea O, Jack P, Eliza B Harriet S made several great runs inside Corio’s defensive half and we managed a couple of short corners.
Overall, the Strikers played a good team game. The good news is that we still have lots of room for improvement and we are only mid-way through the season.
Under 16
Newtown Strikers vs Corio White 1-15
This week the U16 Strikers were short two of our regular players, and despite having some very willing-and-able fill-in players from the U14s (Chelsea and Albie – thank you both!), Corio White proved too strong.
The final score was 15-1, with Parker finding the back of the net for the Strikers.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Geelong White 1-2
In another gutsy performance, both Newtown and Geelong had a number of scoring opportunities but unfortunately luck was on Geelong’s side on the day. Regardless, it was nice to farewell Audrey with a top quality game and as a group we’ve really appreciated her efforts the past few seasons (hopefully this won’t be the last we see of her). With a week off for the King’s birthday weekend, it will give the team a chance to rest and reset for the games to come.
Division 2 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Torquay Tornadoes 2-2
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Corio 3-3
Another come from behind draw against Corio! This shows the determination of all the players to do their best and never give up.
Corio scored twice in the first half with sneaky touches in the circle which bypassed the defence despite great efforts from Ricki, Tash and Kayla. Good movement in the forward line by Tilly, Lara and Kristy created some opportunities. Tash scored our first goal after a strategic push back to her on the short corner, allowing her to split the defenders on the line.
The second half saw Strikers increase the speed and pressure on the opposition with Hanna and Jess working hard to get the ball forward, resulting in a lovely goal from Hanna on the right side of the circle which found the left corner of the goal. Great defence by Hannah CC slowed the Corio forays down their right side and allowed Strikers to return the play to our advantage. A further goal to Tilly and the game was back to a draw. Great work by all.
Hope Hannah recovers from her injury quickly.
