Highlights of the week:
- A great game between Newtown Rebels and Newtown Rockets in the U10 Lloyd Reserve games.
- Newtown Men are hunting their place in the finals with their 3rd win in a row.
Under 10 Stead Park
Newtown Strikers vs Corio 8-0
The Strikers started strong this week, with Ryder heading into our D early and attacking the goals. Lily and Harry joined in to help, and despite a short corner and some shots on goal, it seemed that luck was on the Corio defenders’ side…
Eventually Harry was able to draw a short corner, and the team made the most of it with Georgia scoring the opening goal. This opened the floodgates, and it wasn’t long before Harry and Lily both added a goal to the tally.
Towards the end of the half we saw some great tackles and pressure applied from Georgia, a near miss on goal from Ryder, and just before half time a nice assist from Austin into Harry for his second.
With a 4-0 lead going in the second half, Corio came back out looking to turn things around. Harry switched into defense which brought Zac up forward, just in time for four (4!) Newtown short corners. Corio fended off the first three, but Zac persisted and scored a goal on the fourth.
Corio continued to defend well, and Elspeth was soon in the game having to defend their attempts on goal – doing her best work to clear the ball out of their D. Harry and Georgia were soon able to shut down Corio’s attack, and eventually the ball was back up our end for Ryder to score a goal.
Before the game was over, Ryder and Georgia worked the ball again into our D where Lily was ready to score twice more. Corio’s last attempt to score a goal was stopped by some excellent defending from Georgia, and the Strikers were victorious once more.
Newtown Spirit vs Geelong Jaguars 5-6
Under 10 Lloyd Reserve
Newtown Rockets vs Newtown Rebels 3-3
A great game between these two teams with some excellent skills on display.
Great defence again by Alex in front of goal turned back a number of Rebels’ forward moves and provided the opportunity for David and Nora in the midfield to feed the ball forward with strong passes. Great position by Tully in the centre, working well with Zita and Hadley on the wings working hard to gain possession and then create attacks. Good tackling and excellent passing saw Rockets enter the attacking zone with purpose and Tully was in the right spot to put the scores on the board.
Well done to both teams on a great game!
Newtown Dynamos vs Newtown Jets 5-1
In a high-energy showdown at Lloyd Reserve for Round 14, the U10 Dynamos triumphed over the Jets with a commanding 5–1 win. Mathilda and Georgia led the charge with two goals apiece, showcasing sharp shooting and smart positioning, while Flynn added a fifth with a confident finish. The Dynamos’ coordination and teamwork were on full display, with players linking up beautifully across the field. Their growing chemistry is paying off, and it was clear they’ve been working hard to sharpen their game. Sophie and Florence, both showed great determination for the Dynamos particularly on the wings , bringing extra grit and hustle that helped maintain momentum and control.
The Jets showed impressive defensive discipline, especially around the goal circle. Their backline worked tirelessly to contain the Dynamos’ attack, with several brave blocks and well-timed clearances. The match was a great example of how far both teams have come—full of energy, determination, and improving coordination. It’s exciting to see these young players developing their skills and supporting each other across sports. A brilliant morning of junior competition!
Under 12
Newtown Spirit vs Geelong Roar 2-1
Spirit was led on to the field by 25 game milestone player Ryder as captain.
It was a tough game with Roar having improved a lot since they last played Spirit. The ball went up and down the pitch many times until seven minutes into the game when Elwood pushed a ball past the Roar goalie.
Half time was delayed by a short corner to be played in favour of Spirit; it was kicked away by the Roar goalie without score. At half time coaches reminded players of short corner plays, hot spots and sticks down at all times.
It was early in the second half that Roar scored a goal to take the scoreboard to 1-1. The atmosphere was tense, could Spirit’s unbeaten record on pitch 1 be broken?
The ball went up and down the pitch many times before a series of beautifully executed passes allowed Lily to sneak one past the goalie. The crowd cheered loudly and that was how the scores remained with a tough fought 2-1 win to Spirit.
With only one game left for the season Spirit are sitting 3rd on the ladder and will progress to finals.
Newtown Strikers vs Corio 0-2
The U/12 Newtown Strikers put in a huge-hearted performance against top-of-the-table Corio this week, showing grit, determination and great team spirit. Our ranks were bolstered by international guest player Casper, Elwood and Oliver from Spirit, and Ruby stepping up from U/10s – and what a difference they made!
The first half saw Corio apply plenty of pressure, with much of the play in our defensive half. But our backline was outstanding – Fraser and Thomas were absolute rocks, combining beautifully with Casper to shut down attack after attack and launch some smart clearances. Against the odds, we kept the scores locked at 0–0 by halftime – a massive achievement!
In the second half, the pressure didn’t let up. Dot, Elwood and Oliver worked hard through the midfield, while Henry, Ruby, Isla and Felix found great space out wide and up forward. Our structure paid off with a brilliant passage from Joe to Dot to Felix, leading to a short corner and almost a breakthrough. Henry’s hustle to keep the ball alive was pure determination!
Edward was heroic in goals, pulling off four or five stunning saves to keep us in the contest. A tough moment saw Joe, our spiritual leader, sidelined with an ankle injury off a Corio short corner – but the team rallied and kept fighting.
Despite our incredible effort, Corio broke through late with two second-half goals. Still, this was one of our strongest showings of the season – full of courage, teamwork and resilience.
Well played, Strikers!
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 0-4
The final score does not accurately reflect the intensity and competitiveness of the game. The Strikers played hard and produced several goal scoring opportunities but were unfortunate not to convert these chances. Torquay on the other hand took their opportunities well.
Throughout the game, the ball moved from one end of the field to the other. Our defence of Albie, Lilly P and Lucas O were solid. They were well supported by Alex L and Emily S.
The half line was well marshalled by Eliza B, Jack F, Alex L, Emily S and Mitchell B. They were able to stop the attack from Torquay and provide support to the Strikers forwards. Eliza and Jack F showed great determination and put on a strong performance.
Chelsea O also put on a good show. She contributed greatly in defence, in the midfield and attack. She played tirelessly for the entire game.
Our attackers played hard and kept Torquay’s defence on their toes. We had our regulars Mitchell B, Sidak W, Alex H and special guest Paddy from U12. We thank Paddy for agreeing to play as we only had 11 players. He did well on the right wing which is not his usual position.
The Strikers have come a long way since the start of the season. They are playing with more structure, teamwork and purpose. Bravo Strikers. Keep it up.
Under 16
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 5-9
This week the Strikers got off to a great start – Oliver and Parker were quickly into the D to draw a penalty 1v1, which Oli put into the net. Moments later Jess drew a second 1v1, which Oli took but found the post, however Jess had made her way back into the D fast enough to catch the rebound and get the goal. 2-0 and we’d only been going a few minutes! Torquay soon responded scoring three goals, and Parker just missed out on the equaliser, unable to get the ball through the goalie.
The second quarter proved more fruitful for Parker, who scored a great goal from a free. Despite some excellent saves from Kayden in the goals and Jess putting lots of pressure on Torquay’s number one striker, the halftime score was 3-6 Torquay’s way.
After the long break the Strikers started strong again with a lovely goal from Jess from the baseline past the keeper. Soon after the ball was back in our D, where Parker’s shot on goal was saved by the goalie – with their head! This left the goalie bamboozled for a second and unaware of where the ball was, allowing Parker to have another easy shot to get the goal. Cormac provided solid support in defense to help out Kayden on the goal line to stop a Torquay 1v1, but Torquay managed to get another three in for the quarter.
The final quarter was perhaps the best for the Strikers for the year. Numerous saves from Kayden, shots on goal from outside the D and good clearances out of D from Jack F meant that Torquay went scoreless. Whilst the Strikers couldn’t find the net either, it was the first quarter of the year where the Strikers didn’t allow a goal scored against – another sign that things are on the up!
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Geelong Blue 1-3
A very gutsy game played by Newtown against a strong opposition. Although it wasn’t a win, the team continued their run of matching skilled opposition and it was great to see these efforts rewarded with a penalty stroke converted by Ruby in the final quarter.
Division 2 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Saints Red 2-1
On a Sunday that felt more like spring than the beginning of August, Newtown Men’s Division 2 rocked up near full-strength and ready to play. From the first whistle, it was clear this would be an exciting contest. We scored an early goal from a penalty corner flick, and it felt like everyone on the team was running around, as if we could feel a win was on the cards. Confidence was high, and chat on the field was loud and clear.
Andrew B and Dave W were directing the play beautifully from defence, and thankfully, the listening ears were on and we had structure, formation, and several completed passing plays. But, just when we were beginning to take control of the match, a brief lapse in tackling technique (read: two clumsy fouls in quick succession) saw two of our Falcons get carded and Saints sneak in an equaliser. Whoops.
Still, Newtown dusted off the indiscretion and took control for most of the match, peppering the Saints’ D with chances. AJ, Parker H, and Tom P were absolute workhorses, racing forward on counterattacks, then somehow finding the legs to sprint back in defence.
Brett C was a brick wall in goals; he’s now saving shots with a calm that suggests he may have many years of hockey ahead. With the poise of a man who’s seen it all, PR held the halfline together and dispensed calm wisdom like a hockey-playing oracle.
Meanwhile, the Saints mysteriously forgot Mick B existed and left him unmarked. Their mistake had Mick galloping up the wing and came so close to scoring, twice.
Gavin pressed like a man possessed, hounding the Saints into turnovers and linking up beautifully with Lochie, who carved through the midfield with ease.
A moment of drama came when Tom McD took a hockey ball to the eye. No stitches, thankfully, but he now sports a shiner that makes him look like a man you do not want to cut off in traffic.
Finally, Tom P put the game to bed with a superb finish off another penalty corner. 2-1. Job done. That’s three wins on the trot, and the mood in the squad is buzzing. Finals are still mathematically possible, so if you’ve been ghosting Thursday training, now’s the time to park the excuses and show up before it’s too late.
Let’s keep the streak alive and bring on next week!
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay Tornadoes 0-1
A fantastic game from D2 Strikers today despite finishing 0-1.
Lots of determination all over the field and a fantastic game from Andie for her 350th. Best players – everyone! 
Torquay scored in the first quarter from a strong short corner hit right into the corner of the goal. Newtown defended strongly with Kirsty and Tash cutting off many Torquay threats before they reached the circle. Torquay’s wings at times managed to take up positions deep our defensive zone but great marking by Andie and Ricki contained the threat.
Great connections between defence and attack saw Strikers continue to push forward and the speed and ball control skills of Ivy, Jess, Tilly, Hanna and determination of Lara, Kristy and Gemma gave us a number of opportunities – unfortunately without a result.
Great marking and passing from Benno, Sarah and Hannah allowed them to return play to Strikers’ advantage. Well done all!
