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2023 Hockey Season – August 5 & 6

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The 2023 hockey season has proven to be an exciting one for our teams. In an unusual year, all teams will be in the finals, partly due to the limited number of teams in the competition. With many teams showing significant improvement in the latter part of this hockey season, the finals could prove to be even more exciting! Anything can happen on the day!

Under 6

The U6 players are honing their skills while having fun with games and drills. There was some great work in the ‘Rob the Nest’ game this week, with players collecting and delivering the balls well from the middle.

Under 8

Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Jaguars

On a beautiful Saturday morning this week the U8 Strikers revealed their true identity and played exceptional team hockey. Fierce in defense and keen in attack, their play across the field exhibited a greater understanding of Hockey than at any other point this season. With the end of this year’s winter season fast approaching, the improvement from the entire team has been incredible. Excellent, excellent work guys!!!

On a very pleasing note, Miriam really stood out this week and scored a wonderful second half goal. It was great to see her shed her apprehension of the contest and “get involved”. Well done Miriam and congratulation on being this week’s “Player of the Round”.

Charlie and Thomas were once again a joy to observe and a real delight to have in the team. Tess was solid in the midfield and ably assisted by Henry, who for the second week in a row picked up the”player of the Round” with Miriam. Well done!!

And finally, a very big thank you to Nadia who fought off wave after wave of the Geelong City attacks while she was playing at fullback. Brilliant Nadia!

Have a great week and see everyone Saturday morning.

Newtown Spirit vs Saints

This was one of Spirit’s best games for this hockey season with players showing great skills and good understanding of game strategy and positioning.

Great focus on the ball saw Caspar and Lily create forward moves and goal scoring opportunities on many occasions, with support from Abby and Esther.  Midfield defence from Leila, Claire and Cohen blocked many Saints moves and passed the ball to team mates in good position.

Flynn and Elspeth at full back coming well to guard the goals and prevented Saints from scoring successfully.

Best Team Player awards to Caspar and Flynn.

Under 10

Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 1-2

U/10 Strikers played a terrific game against top-ranked Torquay. We were missing Tom, our spiritual heart in defence, and Georgia, our tenacious attacking forward, due to a broken arm and toe respectively. But Miriam and James stepped up from the U/8 and filled their shoes admirably.

First half was all about our defensive efforts, with Miriam saving an almost certain goal, Paige seamlessly playing the role of full-back in her first go at that position and Joe just getting in amongst it wherever he could. Despite our best efforts, Torquay scored in the first half and again early in the second half.

We spent a lot more time in attack in the second half, with Joe having a great run towards goal supported by Dot in perfect position on the post. Great defence again down the other end by Miriam saved another certain goal to Torquay. A final run up forward by Paddy late in the match, again ably supported by Dot on the wing, resulted in a much-deserved Newtown goal.

Final score of 2-1 was a huge improvement on earlier efforts against Torquay and was celebrated by sausages and flavoured milk by all!!

Under 12

Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 2-3

A fantastic game for the Under 12 Strikers this week with a 3-2 loss to the leaders of the competition to date – Torquay. Audrey played an amazing game and was rewarded with a goal in the first half.

Parker scored in the second half set up by some great defence by Lily. The score was quickly matched by Torquay who then went on to score a third goal in the last part of the game. The Torquay coach said at the end of the game it was the toughest match they have played all season which is a credit to the amazing improvement this team has made.

A big thank you to Hayden Francis for coaching while Dan was away.

Newtown Spirit vs Kardinia 1-1

This was the game to probably decide who qualifies second and third. Kardinia started well with an early short corner goal and went to half time 1 goal ahead.

Spirit opened the game up in the second half and there were numerous attacks but not enough polish to score. Four short corners to Spirit in the second half and finally Lucas Young scored after a couple of short passes found some space.

Spirit dominated and should have won but could not find that final touch. Spirit 1-1 Kardinia and should secure Spirit second place who are 5 points ahead with 2 games to go.

Under 14

Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia Blue 1-0

Another really tight match for the Strikers against a tough team in Kardinia Blue. The Strikers started well, moving the ball well around the field and using the pass back to either Will or Kashvi to great effect to open up the field. The Strikers created some great chances with Baxter going on a tremendous run and just missing with the shot. Fortunately, Zac was on target from a short corner strike and got the Strikers on the board and they went into half time up 1-0.

Kurt asked the team for their feedback at half time and the key themes from the players were there wasn’t enough communication, and they weren’t using the width of the field as much as they could. It was terrific to hear the players able to do their own self assessments and showing what they had learned about the game from this season. Kurt stressed that if they can do these basics it will take the team to another level and also emphasised that the players should work together in organising themselves into positions and set up the play.

The second half saw the Strikers create offensive opportunities with some great aggressive crosses into the circle but and could have easily added a couple more goals if things had gone our way. Kashvi continued to relish the move a little further up the ground to half back and was able to make a number of intercepts while supported by Oliver L, Ruby and Riley who has brought some great run since he came back into the team. In the end the score stayed 1-0 in a scoreless but entertaining second half.

Under 17

Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Spirit 4-2

Overseeing the strikers this week was Tom and Luca. Everyone played their roles well and made great position.

Chloe was on fire throughout the game running onto anything that came her way. Lara knew her position well and ran to the post any chance she had. Mai was solid in goals and when something got around her Amelia was there to back her up. Serena was able to tap the ball in for a goal and Anya was calling out plays. Alex had a great game stopping the ball anytime it came her way. Welcome back Surry who made the team work together with Grace.

A great win over our Newtown colleagues.

Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers 2-4

Very cold weather this Saturday compared to the sunny morning we had last weekend.  The game started with Spirit’s defence on alert, Ruby had her work cut out for her. There was an early short corner to give Strikers an opportunity at goal, but Spirit’s defence was too good. A couple of shots at goal that were defended well by the Spirit team, in particular, Hugh saved a great shot at goal. Felix almost got a goal in the last minutes of the first quarter. 

Second quarter there was a lot of talking by the Spirit team. The team work and support was evident. Spirit had to defend two short corners, the second one saw Strikers score the first goal for the game. 

The third quarter started with an early goal by Strikers, which was followed quickly by a short corner that Hamish defended really well.  Great play by Max and Felix up the line saw a short corner for Spirit. Nate did an amazing job against Strikers defence. The ball was soon back in Spirit’s forward zone and Charlotte had the Strikers goalie on the ground.

Last quarter started with an early goal by Strikers. Teamwork by Leo, Hugh, up the line saw the ball in Spirit’s forward zone which saw Nate score Spirit’s first goal for the game.  Strikers retaliated quickly another goal. Ruby was critical in clearing the ball out of the D.  The game finished with a great ball by Hugh to Leo into the D for a goal to be scored by Max. 

Players player went to Max this week. 

Division 1 Men

Newtown Falcons vs Saints Red 2-3

Newtown Falcons played Saints Red on Sunday.  For the first time in several weeks we had 11 players, which was a relief (particularly for Ash Quick!). We also welcomed Harry B back to the team after being unavailable for many weeks due to representative duties.

We started strongly against the Saints, and had the majority of the play. We moved the ball well out of defence and through the mid-field. Harry had some great runs into the circle which drew several short corners. Credit should go to the Saints keeper and defence for saving several strong shots. Tom P scored first to give us a 1-0 lead at quarter time.

Following quarter time, we continued to move the ball well, but couldn’t convert attacking opportunities into goals. We weren’t able to find clear space in the circle and get to the posts.

In contrast, the Saints were able to convert their attacking opportunities into goals. We were 3-1 down in the final quarter and lifted, with Tom P scoring a second goal with a desperate lunge towards a rebound from the Saints keeper.

We will need to convert our attacking opportunities in the coming weeks including finals, and will practise converting opportunities in training.

Thanks in particular to Madden for stepping up and keeping for us.

Division 1 Women

Newtown Falcons vs HG Sharks 5-0

This game was awarded as a 5-0 forfeit by HG Sharks but some sharing of players resulted in a scratch game and a 1-0 scoreline at the end.

This proved to be one of the Falcons best games for this year with some precise passes from Ainsley and Beth in defence finding Rosie and Jane leading to spaces to pick up the ball and continue the attack.  Great midfield defence by Georgia, Alex and Rachel didn’t allow the Sharks free rein and frequently turned the play back to our advantage.  Great support in the forward line from Scarlett, Emily and Audrey pushed the ball forward and kept Falcons in the play with many chances in the circle.

Division 2 Men

Newtown Strikers vs Torquay Tornadoes 1-4

Division 2 Women

Newtown Strikers vs Saints 3-0

Strikers are continuing their stellar season, sitting on top of the ladder, and leading into the finals with 8 wins to their credit.

The team is combining well from the back line all the way to the attacking goal. Alex and Kirsty are a formidable barrier at full back, well backed up by Rachel in goals.  Strong and determined play in the midfield from Tash, Kat, Andie met any Saints attacks early and redirected the play forward. An adaptable forward line with plenty of running and great ball control skills saw Charlotte, Hanna, Claudia, Serena, Georgie and Peta all having an impact on the game, getting behind the Saints defence on many occasions.

An excellent game from all.

 

 

 

Festival of Sails 2023

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Festival of Sails 2023

The Festival of Sails, organised by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, includes the Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race, which is the oldest sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere, having first run in 1844.  The event attracts over 100,000 visitors every January to Geelong, with festivities held at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) and along the Geelong waterfront.

The race itself is celebrating its 180th year, and the Newtown City Hockey Club is celebrating our 24th year of assisting with the event.

Newtown Hockey Club provides cleaning and bin management services for yachting participants and the general public who attend the onshore festivities at the Yacht Club. In return, the Club receives reimbursement for the time and labour contributed by our members.

The event is one of the major ways in which the Newtown Hockey Club raises additional funds, without adding further to members’ costs.  We expect to raise $3700 from this year’s event, which is a significant proportion of  the club’s annual fundraising target of $5000.

 

Fundraising from events such as this is set aside for the development of facilities, programs and recruitment of new members. Facility development can include improvements to playing surfaces at Lloyd Reserve (e.g. synthetic surface pitch), or the Lloyd Reserve Pavilion expansion project. The completion of the pavilion expansion project will provide a much larger social space, allowing club functions to be held, and contributing to club unity and connection.

Raising funds from projects such as this represents a saving of $25 for each family, as these funds would otherwise be gathered by increasing membership fees. The assistance of members is requested and much appreciated, so that the fundraising load is shared, without any actual financial cost to members.

 

What’s Involved?

The work is not difficult. It includes clearing tables, picking up rubbish, taking rubbish bins to the compactor to be emptied and replacing bins around the area for reuse.

Our work is much appreciated by the yachting community and those who attend the Festival activities. Our volunteers regularly receive positive comments about our contribution from those in attendance. As an added bonus, our participation also provides another means of letting the Geelong community know of the existence of the Newtown Hockey Club.

The Club is seeking volunteers to help with this event. Family, friends and any helpers over the age of 15 are welcome. Volunteering your time is ideal for school students who need to demonstrate involvement in community activities.

Members are asked to volunteer three hours of their time during the period January 25 to 29, 2023.

The roster can be found at the link below, with 84 spaces to fill, so have a look and choose when might suit you best.  We look forward to your support.

Details and Sign Up Here

 

If you are unable to assist with this project, you may choose to make a tax deductible donation to the Club or to help with one of the other fundraising projects planned for the 2023 year.

 

Cookie Dough Is Back!

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Cookie Dough Is Back!

After the success of the Billy G’s Cookie Dough fundraiser in 2021, we are keen to offer this again as way to raise funds  for the club AND give members and customers something for their money. Fundraising with ventures like this  helps to avoid raising membership fees in order to support our recruiting activities and facility development.

The dough will stay fresh in the fridge for 4 weeks, or can be frozen for up to 12 months. Once thawed, you can use what you like, and refreeze multiple times. How handy is that for those times when you have unexpected visitors?

The fundraiser offers 1 kg tubs of cookie dough (made in a nut free factory) in 10 different flavours, including one for your dog. At $18 per tub, for 40 delicious just baked cookies, that’s a great deal. Billy G’s is an Australian family owned and operated business. Billy G’s cookie dough is only available through fundraising, and is not sold in stores, so stock up!

  • Anzac Biscuits
  • Caramel White Choc
  • Choc Chunk
  • Mint Choc
  • Golden Classic – great for adding your own ingredients to give it a twist
  • Nestle Smarties
  • Strawberry Cheesecake
  • Raspberry White Choc
  • Triple Choc
  • Doggie Dough

If every Club family bought 1 tub, or sold 1 to someone else, we would raise $600.  As with all our fundraising projects, the funds raised will help to support our recruiting activities for 2023, plus the Lloyd Reserve pavilion expansion.

Orders can be taken now with final orders due on November 21. Tubs of dough will be delivered approximately December 7 to a central point so that you can collect your order. Dough is delivered frozen and can be stored without refrigeration for up to 8 hours.

And there are prizes to win!

Incentive Prizes: Members who sell 1 tub or more are entitled to an incentive prize for their efforts.  You can choose to set your own fundraising goal – the more tubs you sell the more prizes you will receive!  There are 12 prizes up for grabs so start selling! Ask your family and friends to share the deliciousness. Prizes are automatically ordered at the end of our fundraiser based on the number of tubs you have sold.

Check the cookie details and the prizes here.

So how do you participate?

Each member creates their own fundraising page, which links to our project.

1. Create your own Fundraising Page. Creating a fundraising page is easy!

  1. Go to cookiedough.com.au to create your Fundraising Page by clicking the “Register Now” button and fill in your information as a parent/guardian.
  2. Choose your goals and create a unique avatar!
  3. Place your order using the “Order Now” button and share your fundraising page with your family and friends via the “Share” section so they can start buying some yummy cookie dough. How Easy!

If you prefer, you can place your orders through this order page linked to the club rather than creating your own fundraising page.  Share it with your family and friends and say thank you from all of us.

Billy G’s is a completely cashless fundraiser.  All orders must be placed online and paid by credit card/Paypal. If you receive a cash sale, please convert online through your online fundraising page.

 

Win a $10,000 JB Hi-Fi Shopping Spree! Our highest tub seller will go into a draw to win a $10,000 JB Hi-Fi Shopping Spree. Plus, every member that achieves all online virtual badges will win a Billy G’s “You’re One Awesome Cookie” Bag Tag.

Want to aim even higher? Australia’s highest tub seller will scoot away with a Razor Prize Pack valued at $3,000. How exciting!

 

Thank you for your support.

Enquiries: Claire Barnes OAM, ph 0417 015130 or contact us here.

 

Annual General Meeting 2022

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Club members and supporters are invited to attend the Newtown City Hockey Club Annual General Meeting for 2022, to be held on:

📅   Thursday November 17

⏰   7.30 pm

📍   Stead Park, John St, Corio

2022 was expected to be a rebuilding year after the 2020 and 2021 effects of the COVID pandemic.  We are very pleased to say that 2022 has been an excellent year for the Newtown City Hockey Club in many ways, with highlights including:

  • excellent on-field performances
  • significant recruitment activities and increased membership
  • strong financial performance
  • progress with facility development

The Annual General Meeting will allow members to see the strength of the club and the activities which have been undertaken in 2022. Reports will outline the strong financial position of the club and the performances of all our teams. The Annual General Meeting gives members the opportunity to ask questions regarding the Club’s finances, the actions taken during 2022 and future plans and projects.

The election of office bearers and committee members for 2022/2023 is one of the very important actions of the Annual General Meeting. The incoming committee will be guided by input from the members of the club, so contributing your thoughts and asking questions is both an important right and a responsibility of your membership of the Club.

We welcome any member who would like to volunteer their time, whether as a member of the incoming committee, or for an occasional role in the wide range of  roles and tasks across the club.

Supper will be provided.

The Annual General Meeting will be followed by a Special General Meeting. The results of the recent 2022 Annual Review survey and the actions planned as a result will be discussed. This is the opportunity for club members to contribute ideas to ensure that the club meets their needs and provides an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

How can we make the Newtown City Hockey Club even better than it is at present? Is there some aspect of the Club which is not performing as well as you, the member, expects? Do you have a suggestion which the club could adopt to ensure a strong and sustainable club?

We would love to hear your ideas for the Club’s future actions and aims. Please join us for the Annual General Meeting and share your thoughts.

 

Agenda:               Annual General Meeting Agenda 2022

Nomination for Office

Nominations are called for positions on the Committee of the Newtown City Hockey Club for 2022/2023. Nominations should be returned by Thursday November 10.

The Newtown City Hockey Club Rules  assign voting rights to fully paid playing members aged 15 and over. Members aged under 15 have Associate membership but do not have voting rights. Parents of Associate Members may choose to become members in their own right by becoming a non-playing Voting Member at a cost of $5.

The Committee generally meets once per month via Zoom, with each meeting lasting about 2 hours.  If you have a few hours to spare each month, we would value your input.

Proxy Forms

If a member is unable to attend the meeting, a Proxy Voting Form   may be submitted. This form should be received by 1 pm on Thursday November 17.

2022 Hockey Season – Fantastic Grand Finals

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The 2022 hockey season has finished on a high for Newtown City Hockey Club.  With 8 teams participating in the Geelong Hockey Association finals series, it was fantastic to see 4 teams make it through to the Grand Final. And it was even better to see the Grand Final day finish with 2 Premierships and 2 Runners Up. This added to the Premier and Runner Up finishes in the Under 10 competition, which does not play finals.

Under 12 Mixed

Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Jaguars 0-1

Congratulations to Under 12 Newtown Strikers on a very successful season and making it to the grand final. Having beaten Geelong Jaguars in the semi-final two weeks earlier,  Strikers met the Jaguars again in the Grand Final for another nail-biting close game. The whole team rose to the occasion and played a great game.

Thanks to Ruby and Ved from U12 Spirit, as well as Eva and Chelsea from U10 Strikers for being part of the grand final team. Ruby did especially well, stepping in to the goal keeper role with James away. The coaching from James at training was helpful, with Ruby confidently saving a number of goals. Another stand out was Audrey’s skilful trapping of many well directed and powerful passes from Will.

Jaguars scored a goal in the first half, and in the second half Strikers thought they had levelled the score for a moment when Will hit the ball like a rocket from a short corner, but the goal was disallowed as it was too high.

An excellent finish to the year for the team.

Under 14 Mixed

Newtown Rebels vs Torquay 0-1

This was a terrific achievement for Newtown Rebels who, midway through the season, looked an unlikely prospect to make the finals. Hampered by lack of players on many occasions, the team was well supported by players from the other Newtown U14 teams and when it came down to the wire were able to get the results which saw them come from 4th position on the ladder to win the Semi-Final and Preliminary Final and earn the right to play in the Grand Final.

Great teamwork combined with good ball control skills and effective passing was a highlight of the finals games. Congratulations to the team and all the players on the massive effort and commitment which earned the reward, finishing as Runners Up for the 2022 season.

Under 17 Mixed

Newtown Strikers vs Kardinia 3-2

Strikers met Kardinia in the U17 grand final, with a head-to-head record during the season of 1 all. Kardinia, as anticipated, came out strong gaining a short corner only 2 minutes after the whistle. Strikers struggled initially to find a way forward until 4 minutes in when Charlotte generated a short corner. It was defended well by Kardinia. Our defenders, anchored by Basyl, kept the Kardinia strikers at bay. Mid-way through the half the deadlock was broken when Charlotte found Harry B in position, and he made no mistake to take the score to 1-nil. Kardinia came straight back at us and produced some great hockey that penetrated our defence and opened up our D for their first real shot on goal. The shot was a certain goal but was casually flicked aside by Mai. Charlotte continued her great work and generated another short with 10 minutes left in the half. Our midfielders lifted and Peri and Scarlett did a great job drawing their Kardinia players wide. This opened up centre forward and with 7 minutes left Harry B got possession at the top of the D, dribbled to the left and unleashed a Toma (below shoulder height of course) to land our second goal. 2-0. Charlotte managed another short corner with 30 seconds left but scores went to half time unchanged.

Coach Niko was extremely proud at half time with both the effort and the manner with which we played the first half. The second half started in a similar fashion to the first. Kardinia drew a short corner less than a minute in. Basyl continued to be the backbone of our defence, but all defend well. Kardinia persisted and broke through with their first goal mid-way through the half. 2-1. Strikers regrouped and short corners came our way through nice work by both Charlotte and Harry W. We failed to score from either and the momentum shifted back to Kardinia. They managed a short corner with a little over 6 minutes left and then another with 1 minute remaining that resulted in a goal that sent us to extra time at 2-all.

The initiative on the opening whistle was again taken by Kardinia when they managed a short corner only 30 seconds in. Mai, with a brilliant save, kept us in the match. With 3 ½ minutes left on the clock Charlotte managed yet another short corner; her sixth. This one proved to be her most valuable when Harry B took the shot after we were awarded a penalty stroke. He made no mistake and was in the air before the ball hit the net. Final score 3-2.

Congratulations to Strikers on a great win. It was a great team effort and well earned by all. A few things worthy of a mention: Well done to Harry B on topping the goal scoring with 62 for the season; Great courage shown by Amber coming back on in extra time after copping a front on tackle in the second half; and Tilly who undertook a thankless job on the day, tagging Kardinia’s top scorer who scored goals in every game he had played for the season … except the grand final.

Finally, a big thanks to Niko who brought such energy and emotion to the game. I’m sure some of this rubbed off on the team to get us over the line.

Division 2 Men

Newtown falcons vs Torquay Tornadoes 7-6

The Grand final saw Falcons clash with Torquay Tornados. The teams had met 3 times during the season with one win each and a draw. Play began with intensity, both teams trying to gain the ascendancy early, with 3 short corners in the first 5 minutes. Possession was shared very evenly but Torquay started to display more aggression up forward and that swung the momentum their way. Mitch was giving us a good target early deep in offense, but we struggled with structure in mid pitch to give us the momentum to penetrate the
Torquay defence. Torquay’s aggression up forward was rewarded around the half-way mark with a short corner. We scrambled to clear the first, then a second, but a deflection on the third gave Torquay a 1 nil lead. Loose passing and trapping gave Torquay some easy possessions, but we started to sharpen this up toward the end of the quarter; a short with 6 minutes left giving us a confidence boost.

Quarter 2 was a stalemate. Falcons kept the pressure on early with 2 short corners in quick succession. Dom was busy in centre pitch and Basyl, Harry W and AJ combined in some desperate presses forward looking to find holes in the Torquay defence. Pete struck a beautiful ball that was just wide of the mark from a short corner with 7 minutes left. Harry W earned another short corner but again, we failed to convert. We ended the half 1-nil down but holding ground and threatening to score.

Torquay jumped us from the shadows immediately after the 3 rd quarter whistle. The sound of the ball cracking against the backboard with less than a minute passed saw them take their lead to 2-nil. Almost immediately, they followed up with a third from a loose striker at the top of the D. The score went to 3-nil. Shoulders dropped and Falcons body language had Newtown supporters worried that they were ready to capitulate. Those fears were allayed when Carl gained possession mid pitch and calmly weaved around numerous Torquay defenders. ‘Silky’ was the term put forward by a keen young observer in the crowd. He threaded the ball to Harry W who drew a short corner. The corner resulted in a stroke for Falcons and Basyl drilled it to get us on the board at 1-3. This seemed to ignite something in the Falcons, visibly lifting energy levels and for the rest of the quarter there seemed to be 3 Basyl’s on the pitch.

The 4 th quarter saw Falcons refocus on the basics, defending well and passing cleanly. Carl, with great support from Basyl and Liam started to make his presence felt transitioning from defence to offence forcing one short, then a second. A third short saw Carl send one home to take the score to 2-3. Our defenders started pressing higher with confidence as Torquay found it harder to find a way through mid-pitch. This nearly came unstuck when Torquay made a fast break that saw Jarret and Carl scrambling to assist a lone Martin facing a running Torquay striker. Only minutes after this scare, a pass from Carl found a perfectly positioned Mitch in the D who made no mistake to send us to 3-all and extra time.

Extra time began nervously by Falcons and Torquay managed a short corner only 2 ½ minutes in. A sharp shot that threatened to end the match was rejected by Martin and resulted in a collective sigh of relief from the Newtown supporters. Torquay heightened tensions again when they won a another short with 30 seconds left. No score, 3-all.

The second half of extra time saw a change in momentum from Torquay to Falcons that mirrored the course of the match in normal time. 2 Newtown short corners, 2 good shots both deflected by the Torquay goalie. Falcons then, led by Basyl and Carl, threw everything at Torquay resulting in a barrage of short corners in the closing minutes. Sigh after sigh from Newtown supporters ended with the whistle; scores still deadlocked at 3-all.

A tense penalty shoot-out featured 2 great saves by Martin who didn’t overcommit and was calm (at least it appeared that way). Our goals included Mitch doing a 180-degree spin to beat Torquay’s keeper. Carl (after having to be arm-twisted to take one of the shots) had his first shot rejected by the Torquay goalie, then scooped the next attempt neatly overhead to keep our nose in front. The final hurdle to cement the win was left to Basyl, and he wrongfooted the keeper to win the shoot-out and the premiership.

Congratulations to both teams on what was a great grand final, thrilling to watch and played in great spirit. For Falcons, although some players featured more than others, the whole team came together to stage what was an amazing comeback from 3-nil down. Well done.

Congratulations to Basyl on winning Player of the Grand Final. Congratulations to Carl on his joint winning of the D2 men’s Best  and Fairest for 2022. Of note also, was that for the grand final match Falcons had the youngest player on the pitch by some measure in Liam, and the oldest player by an undisclosed measure in Ian.

Thank you to everyone who played during the season and contributed to this premiership. Thank you to everyone (umpires, team managers, facility managers, etc) who worked behind the scenes to enable us to play each week. Thanks also for the support from the sidelines.

It will be great to catchup at presentation night and reminisce about our come from behind victory. The legend of the Falcons comeback from 3-0 down to win the 2022 Premiership will surely grow over the years.”