June 16 was Newtown Hockey Club Day, with most teams playing their games on the same day. The day provided some great performances for spectators to watch and applaud.
Highlights this week included:
⭐ A close game between U12 Strikers and U12 Spirit
⭐ U14 Strikers continuing to improve each week
⭐ A win for U17 Strikers in a tight game against Torquay
⭐ Great game by the U10 Lloyd Reserve teams, with the first game on synthetic surface for many of the players.
Under 10 Stead Park
Newtown Strikers vs Saints 5-0
Under 10 Lloyd Reserve
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Rockets 6-3
Newtown Spirit played Newtown Rockets on Saturday. It was a high quality game with 9 goals scored. For Spirit, Leila scored a goal and Hugo scored several goals. Spirit have improved markedly during the season.
In the weekend’s game we took passes quickly, led into space, attacked the ball and did many other things well. The one thing to work on next week is not passing across goal in defence.
Newtown Dynamos vs Newtown Rebels 5-1
The first half was very closely matched. A number of attempts at goal were made by both sides. Eliza in particular had a number of opportunities then capitalised with a goal. Edward was assisting the forward drive with his long hits enabling the forwards to create their attacks.
Kiarah stood out with her determination to tackle and push forward no matter how many defenders were in the way. Great to watch. Miriam went for a couple of notable runs into the scoring area and continued to pressure the Rebels. Due to the Rebels forward pressure Flynn was kept on his toes dealing with each attack. At the end of the first half the score was even at 1:1
Caspar was part of the Dynamos team in the second half and made a significant difference with his running play and accurate assisting passes. He also scored the first goal and had leading roles in others that were scored.
The second goal was an accidental ‘own’ goal while the defending Rebels were under pressure in front of the Dynamos’ goals. Next Edward scored a goal. The third goal was an accurate pass in from Caspar to Flynn, who wasted no time in hitting a goal. The Rebels defense, particularly Harry, were very good and made each attacking play from the Dynamos difficult. Similarly Kiarah was controlling play with her determined approach.
The final score was 5:1 for the Dynamos. The most valuable players (MVP) award was given to Flynn and Edward.
Newtown Rockets vs Newtown Spirit 3-6
Despite some great efforts in the first half by the Rockets defenders, Spirit were able to push forward into attack with strong hits and determined approach to the goals. Tom showed great focus in defending the goal, and denied Spirit’s attempt to score on many occasions, followed by great clearances to team mates on the wings.
Excellent efforts by the whole team to keep their sticks on the ground saw Rockets gain possession and great running by Austin to provide cover for team mates was very pleasing.
In the second half, Rockets were able to make more ground and move into attack. Good co-operation between Harry and Elspeth on the left wing brought the ball to our forward zone on a number of occasions, putting pressure on the Spirit defence. Great positioning by Nora and Lily on the right created opportunities to move forward and persistence in following up allowed Rockets to score 3 goals in the second half.
Best Team Player awards to Tom and Nora. Great work everyone!
Under 12
Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Spirit 1-0
A hard fought 1-0 win over Spirit. The team maintained great shape with all players demonstrating a greater understanding of how to play their positions. Special mention to Eliza and Georgia who played the wing position well all game and with a little more luck would have got greater reward for their efforts.
Mitch played his best game of year with countless attacking moves from defence. Eva and Albie were solid in defence and teamed up well all game to stop multiple Spirit goal scoring opportunities. We had a lot of play in our half with Eddy, Jack and Alex hunting the ball in the middle which made it hard for Spirit to get past. Cooper and Fraser also provided good targets up forward all game.
Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers 0-1
Unbeaten Strikers v 2nd place Spirit. The first half was very even with Spirit creating some counter attacking chances down the field. Strikers got into the circle a couple of times and scored with an individual goal from Jack.
Second half had Spirit camped inside Strikers half for long periods and dominated possession. Spirit had 5 short corners to 1 for the match but could not capitalise. Late in the half with tired bodies Strikers dominated territory. Full time. Spirit 0-1 Strikers.
Under 14
Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Jaguars 3-5
U14 Strikers continue to find their rhythm on game day, showing lots of improvement week to week. Whilst this week was another loss to the Jaguars, the margin on the scoreboard was just 2 goals – an impressive effort, given the margins of 7 and 10 in previous rounds this year!
Jaguars had two quick goals in the opening minutes of the game before some good defense from Emily and Kassidy had the ball heading back towards our end. Throughout the half Strikers had a few opportunities to score with no luck, until 5 minutes before the break when Cormac was able to find the back of the net. The score at half time: 1-4.
An unlucky Jaguars in the second half (they were short some players!) meant Strikers had plenty of opportunities for scoring. Parker was keen to make the most of the crowd on Club Day, scoring early in the half.
With some new-found confidence and a tighter scoreline, Strikers continued to pressure the Jaguars’ defense keeping the ball up our end. Binuli was always in the play and applying pressure when it was needed most – some great efforts!
Jaguars were only able to add one more goal to their tally mid-way through the second half thanks to great defensive work from Liz and Oliver clearing the ball out of their attacking zone.
Late in the half Jess and Parker both had chances, but it was Cormac who found his second goal for the game, and the third for Strikers. A final short-corner went begging – the game ending with a final scorecard 3-5.
Under 17
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 1-0
In another thrilling encounter, Newtown triumphed over Torquay in a closely contested match. Both teams, fielding reduced players, saw an open field that led to aggressive passing and a focus on driving the ball through the middle to create opportunity.
Newtown’s defence was exceptional, particularly in their strategy of pushing Torquay’s attackers wide, effectively containing them and preventing entry into the circle. This defensive discipline was spearheaded by Riley and Georgia at the halves, with strong support from Kayla, Amelia, and Winter at the back. Madden was outstanding in goal, making crucial saves to keep the first half scoreless.
The third quarter saw Newtown breaking the deadlock, with Zac capitalizing on a short corner to score the decisive goal. The defenders moved in synchronized waves, pushing up to support the attack and showcasing impressive two-way running despite the reduced numbers.
Although both teams created numerous opportunities in the final quarter, neither could find the back of the net, and the match concluded with a well-earned 1-0 victory for Newtown. The team’s effort in maintaining high energy and effective one-on-one defending throughout the match was commendable.
Overall, it was fantastic to see Newtown close to full strength, delivering an impressive performance and securing a terrific win.
Division 1 Women
Newtown Falcons vs Torquay 2-3
In what was a very fast paced game, Newtown took to the field with a full side and players on the bench (which for us is a novelty which will hopefully continue). This allowed us to have fresh players on the pitch which resulted in consistent pressure and the ability to defend Torquay’s attacking plays while making many of our own.
From the backline, Beth, Ainsley, Neve and Ruby along with Rachel (who had a standout game in goals), constistently repelled Torquay, while they cleared the ball wide and set up the midfield with some solid passes.
Audrey, Hailey, Jane and Georgia (with some cameos from Neve pushing up from defence) were able to move the ball freely to get the ball into attack while equally applying pressure when there was a turn-over.
On the forward line, Charlotte, Amber, Grace and Tess stretched the Torquay defence, making a number of scoring opportunities, two of which Grace was able to put in the back of the net.
Although Torquay were able to score 3 of their own goals, the game was very competitive and a good sign of what we’re capable of with a full side. Being that we’re about half way through the season, these are the types of games that we’ll be able to build upon in the lead up to the finals.
All in all, very well played.
Division 2 Women
Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 4-5
A very competitive game which saw the scoreboard change frequently, with both teams countering with a goal each time the opposition team scored. The score at half time was 4-4, a high standard game.
Strikers’ defence was excellent, led by Kirsty, and well supported by Kayla with a great debut senior game. With Rachel, Hannah and Claudia always in the right position and maintaining possession of the ball in the midfield, Torquay were not able to dominate.
Tash provided a focus point in attack, and Georgie, Charlotte, Sofia, Hanna and Kim worked well together to move the play forward. Andie even played a cameo role on the wing. Great ball control skills and passing from the forwards was very pleasing, and there were a number of additional scoring chances narrowly missed.
Both teams continued to work hard in the second half, with neither team able to score until late in the game when Torquay found an unmarked player in front of the goal. Overall, another excellent game from Strikers.
Division 2 Men
Newtown Falcons vs Saints Red 1-6
Newtown Falcons played Saints Red on Club Day (Sunday). The first half was very even. We defended strongly and manage to shutdown the Saints’ forwards. We scored first thanks to good play into the D, attack on the goalie and Cal putting the ball across the line.
In the second half the Saints were too strong and converted several corners to win 6-1.
