Highlight of the week: another great game for U10 Strikers who are really enjoying the competition.
Under 10 Stead Park
Newtown Strikers vs Corio 8-3
This week the Strikers took to the pitch with Paul, a late sub, out on the field coaching the team – thanks Paul!
Will was ready to go from the start, showing some good skills to get and keep the ball in our D. It wasn’t long before Georgia had Newtown’s first goal, running the ball into the D before a quick turnaround and shot for goal!
Moments later Georgia, on a roll, then had another attempt that was unlucky. But luck was soon back with a nice assist from Lily to Georgia who was into the goals again. Before Corio knew that it was Saturday morning, Ryder joined in to assist with a nice pass to Lily that saw our third goal quickly on the board.
Corio decided it was time to slow the Strikers down, so for the middle of the first half our midfield and defenders were kept busy. Will continued to impress with his determination to chase down and win the ball, and when it did get through the midfield Zach was ready to defend and stop any thought of Corio scoring a goal.
It wasn’t long though before Georgia was back in the play, first assisting Ryder for our 4th goal, and then herself scoring another two goals before the half time break! Half time score: 6-0.
With a handy lead going into the second, the players took the opportunity to once again try some new positions and learn new skills. Lily soon added another great goal to the score – having to work the ball past three defenders (done in style!) before scoring the goal.
Corio found some rhythm midway through the second half, scoring three unanswered goals and reminding the Strikers that it’s never over until the final whistle. Georgia continued her great morning out with another goal towards the end of the game – her fifth for the game.
Another win for the Strikers: 8-3.
Newtown Spirit vs Geelong Jaguars 4-4
The match began with an exciting debut from Ruby, who made an immediate impact by linking up with Charlie for a full-field run from a short corner. The early effort resulted in a shot that went just wide, showing real attacking intent from the outset. Despite Spirit’s early pressure, it was the Jags who struck first, capitalising on a quick break to open the scoring.
Toby provided strong pushes through the centre, driving Spirit forward, but Geelong doubled their lead shortly after. Eliza and Charlie combined well on the right-hand side, mounting sustained pressure with several shots on goal. However, the Jags’ defence held firm. Albert anchored the midfield with solid defensive work, while Toby and Eliza linked up well on the right to maintain attacking pressure. Still, the breakthrough eluded Spirit, and they went into half-time trailing 0–3.
The second half saw Spirit come out determined. Charlie launched a run down the left wing, followed by another bursting effort down the right that resulted in a cross-field pass to Ruby. Though the chance went unconverted, momentum was building. Miriam then made a key recovery from the jags defence following this play and pushed forward to score her first goal, giving Spirit a much-needed boost.
Charlie and Ruby continued to combine effectively, with another strong left-hand run. The Jags responded with a goal to stretch their lead, but Albert remained a composed presence in midfield. Ruby was in the action again with a shot just missing the target, and Toby’s wing passes kept Spirit’s attack alive.
The breakthrough came when Eliza and Ruby combined outside the D from a free pass, finding Charlie who converted. That was quickly followed by Ruby’s first goal in her debut match—an excellent reward for her persistence. Miriam then surged forward again to net her second, levelling the score at 4–4.
In the final minutes, Spirit pressed hard, with Eliza, Miriam, and Ruby linking up for several close chances in front of goal. At the other end, Toby’s crucial defensive effort stopped a potential winner, and Charlie cleared the danger, preserving the draw.
Final Score: Newtown Spirit 4 – 4 Geelong Jags
A thrilling contest and a spirited comeback from Newtown Spirit, marked by Miriam’s brace, Charlie’s relentless runs, and Ruby’s impressive debut. The team showed resilience and creativity, fighting back from a 3–0 deficit to earn a well-deserved draw. With smart combinations, strong defensive moments, and exciting attacking play, this performance highlights the growing cohesion and potential within the squad.
Under 10 Lloyd Reserve
Newtown Rockets vs Newtown Dynamos 0-14
Dynamos were dynamite on the scoreboard, but despite the score this was a great game for Rockets with Nora, Alex, David and Zita showing great improvement in ball control skills and team work. There were some excellent examples of players using skills learned at practice with some back stick passes and holding the ball on the back line before moving sideways in evidence
Great focus on the ball and sticks on the ground from Alex and Nora in midfield allowed them to gain possession for Rockets and stronger passes to Zita in attack saw Rockets make some forward moves. There were a number of ‘near misses’ attempts at goal without luck on our side.
David was again in great position to defend the goals, taking the right line to intercept the Dynamos forwards.
The team continues to work well together and some great passes from Nora to space on the wings was great to see. Well done Rockets!
Newtown Rebels vs Newtown Jets 2-2
Newtown Dynamos vs Newtown Rockets 14-0
A milder winters morn saw Dynamos take on the Rockets for U10 Juniors at Lloyd Reserve. In a spirited match that showcased plenty of enthusiasm and skill, the final scoreline of 14–0 didn’t quite reflect the effort and determination displayed by both teams. While the victors dominated the scoreboard, the game itself was filled with great moments from each side that spoke to the development and sportsmanship of these young athletes.
This weeks players and respective goals included Flynn (2 goals), Michaela (5 goals), Mathilda (3 goals) and Georgia (4 goals).
Great to see the Dynamos working together, getting on with quick plays and calling for the ball. With only 4 on 4 players there was lots of need for spurts of energy to run down the pitch .
Well done to all.
Under 12
Newtown Spirit vs Geelong Roar 3-0
It was a surprisingly warm start to the day, Spirit were facing Geelong Roar on pitch 1 – Spirit’s never lost on this pitch.
The game started and the ball went straight into Spirit’s forward line. There were many missed opportunities at goal through general play and short corners. The defenders barely saw the ball and if they did it was to push it immediately back into the forward line.
At half time it was Spirit ahead 1-0.
Coaches discussed spreading out more, passing, structured play and not needing two players fighting for the ball.
The second half saw the ball go up and down the pitch many times. Defenders cleared and attackers had missed opportunities. Another two goals to Spirit and the final score was 3-0.
Goals each to Mitchell, Elwood and Caspar.
The worst part of the day was Hugo suffering a painful hamstring injury. We’re hoping he has a speedy recovery and he can be back out on the pitch for round ten.
Newtown Strikers vs Corio 1-12
Newtown Strikers played a tough but spirited match against the highly skilled and top age Corio team.
Our defence was tested right from the beginning of the match, but Joe performed admirably in goals and didn’t shy away from any of Corio’s attacking efforts. Henry, Harry and Fraser all showed great poise in defence, with Edward’s strong clearances out of the back half helping to keep Corio at bay. James and Henry linked up well, finding Thomas out wide, for one of our best attacking efforts in the first half.
At half time it was 5-0 to Corio and our team was in great need of some oranges and a rest! Second half saw our players do a great job at finding more space and passing wide, which led to some more promising runs up forward. Harry, James and Henry were controlling and passing the ball well. Their great passes through the mid-field resulted in a chain of Dot – Ruby – Isla – Vicky passes up towards goal, resulting in a goal to Vicky!
Despite Edward, Fraser and Joe keeping the pressure up in defence, the scoreline was 12-1 to Corio in the end. Great to get a score on the board, though!! Huge thanks and congrats to Ruby who played her first game with us – she’s welcome back any time!
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Corio White 0-11
It was a tough day at the office for Strikers as they faced a dominant Corio White side, going down 11–0 in a challenging encounter. From the first whistle, Corio White controlled the game, applying relentless pressure and making it difficult for our team to find any rhythm or maintain possession.
Struggles in both defence and midfield meant that we couldn’t generate any link-up plays, and genuine goal-scoring opportunities were few and far between. Despite the scoreline, the team kept working hard throughout, showing determination even when the result became clear.
A standout performance came from Alex, who gave it everything and consistently challenged the opposition. While the rest of the team found it hard to match Corio White’s intensity and cohesion, the effort to keep battling until the final whistle is something to build on.
Plenty to reflect on as we regroup for next week – stronger starts, better communication, and sharper ball movement will be key going forward.
Under 16
Newtown Strikers vs Corio White 4-9
With some players out this week the Strikers put the call out to our U14 team for some help. Jack F, Jack H and Lucy all put their hands up and joined us on Sunday morning for a run – thanks team!
Despite a goalless first half, the newly formed U14/16 Strikers super-group were right in the game, with Corio only scoring two goals for the half. Had half of our chances gone the other way (including a last minute diving effort from Lucy that was oh so close!) then we may have gone to the long break in the lead! Kayden was yet again on fire, with more saves then Corio had goals – well done mate!
Switching up the positions for the second half (and encouraged by some additional coaching/screaming-of-ideas from a team mate Jess on the sidelines!) it wasn’t long into the third quarter that the Super-Strikers found the back of the net, with a nice goal from Jack F. Some more saves on goal from Kayden including a penalty 1v1 kept the momentum in our favour, and despite two more goals from Corio, Jack F was up to the challenge and responded with goals to each of theirs. At three quarter time there was only a goal in it! 4-3 and game on!!
In the final quarter Corio scored an early goal, but the Strikers worked hard to get the momentum back. Jack H, Lucy and Cormac all worked hard in defense to support Kayden, and despite us drawing a penalty 1v1 Parker was unlucky not to score. That didn’t deter Parker though – he soon decided to take on the Corio defenders, and after running the ball into D played a lovely little flick shot that saw the ball go up into goal. Back to one goal difference.
Despite the Strikers best efforts, a more experienced Corio found some extra fuel in the tank, and goals to add to the scorecard. The final score (9-4) did not reflect how well the team played, and it certainly gave the team a lot of confidence for next weekend.
Editors note: it was lovely to receive some very positive and encouraging comments from the opposition team manager this week about our U16 Strikers players and the great team game they played!! Well done all. Keep up the good work.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Geelong Blue 1-1
Many awesome efforts from the team to hold Geelong to a draw, with fantastic efforts from everyone on the field.
Division 2 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Geelong Blue 0-3
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay Tornadoes 2-3
Our last encounter with Torquay Tornadoes was a 0-9 result, not in our favour unfortunately, so the team was determined to change the outcome this week.
The game was played at a fairly fast pace with our forwards Kristy, Jess, Chelsea, Tilly and Hanna putting pressure on the Torquay defence. Torquay moved the ball quickly into attack, trying to get behind the defence. With Kirsty marshalling the defence, and great co-ordination between Kayla, Zali, Kim, Clarice and Tash Strikers were able to turn away many of Torquay’s attacks.
A couple of nice goals from Torquay, one into the roof of the net left Claire wishing she was 6 inches taller! But Strikers persisted and showed great determination all over the field. Peta set the example, constantly putting pressure on the opposition, delaying the play and forcing turnovers. Quick free passes by Strikers with Tash’s super hits to space across the field gave us opportunities and Tilly and Jess both converted. Excellent positioning and ball control by Chelseas created more chances for team mates.
Great marking by Zali and Kim in midfield, with backup from Kirsty and Kayla didn’t allow Torquay to dominate the game. A great team game. Well done all.
