WSL2 Report by Darren Steere

This week's game was a replay of last season’s Grand Final against Footscray. While we were happy to have an early game, players were thin on Footscrays side as they battled traffic. However they had a full team right on start time. Footscray got out of the blocks early and had two goals on the board before we blinked. We battled hard and eventually scored through Andrea to go into the quarter time break down 1-3. The second quarter saw us continually turn over the ball with bad passes, usually off the back of bad decisions. We failed to score, however we did defend well to keep Footscray to just two goals mainly through Kate's great work in the cage : 1-5. The change of ends saw the game become an arm wrestle, with Footscray attacking off our errors, and our defence holding up well. We had many chances building, only to come undone with the last pass. Goals to Alex and Ando, cancelled out the two from Footscray, finishing off the third at 3-7. The fourth quarter saw us finally establish our game over Footscray and we created way more chances in front of goals, winning the quarter. Goals to Claudia, Emily and Lara, put the finishing touch to good work by everyone. Special mention to Katie in goals, who had a blinder.

Essendon were defeated by Footscray : 6 - 9

Goals : Claudia 1, Emily 1, Alex 1, Ando 1, Lara 1, Andrea 1

WSL3 Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

On Monday night we had the full contingency committed to this week's game, numbering 12. But by game night, we'd lost 2 players to illness which still meant a good size bench of 3. Having not played a game for 3 weeks (some of us 4 weeks!) it took awhile for us to get going, despite Clara winning the swim up. Both sides were ordinary on attack, and more solid in defence so it was some time before the first goal landed to StCath's. We evened up the tally shortly after as Isi put one away from centre forward. StCath's bagged another before the break, making it 1-2 at quarter time. We played better in the second, and started to string together some good passages of play. Sandra was solid in the cage even stopping a 5m penalty only to have the ref decide it should be retaken (?!?) but down the other end we struggled to get a free at CF despite some heavy handed play. We managed to get through their defence on one occasion, again through Isi as she took her tally to 2. StCaths continued to apply pressure on our CF often with 2 defenders and we couldn't make use of our free player effectively going into the halftime break down 2-3. A change is as good as a holiday they say, as we switched ends and attacked the third quarter with more determination. Clara broke through the defensive web to put away a goal followed by Clare but StCaths were even to the task and put another 2 onto their tally. Going into the final quarter down 4-5 brought more resolve from the girls, having lost to StCath's in R1 by 9 goals. It was a tight arm wrestle from one end to the other without either side giving an inch. Both sides had failed attempts at goal with desparate saves from both keepers. StCath's eventually hit home, but we couldn't match it even with Isi being dealt a blood nose at CF, as apparetly the ref felt she'd been the perpetrator and sent her off. So we remained scoreless, but can be proud of the huge inroads we've made since Round 1. Good game girls!!

Essendon were defeated by St Catherine's : 4 - 6 Goals : Isabelle 2, Clare 1, Clara 1

WSL3 Game Night Team Photo (courtesy of Libby)

JnrW (18s)

This week the combined Ess/Mon/NYPD team had a scheduled Bye, but will be back in the pool on Sunday up against ladder leaders, Richmond.

YthG (16s) Report by Danielle Tulloch

Spectacular weather for a waterpolo game and a sleep in. What more could we ask for on Sunday! The Essendon were represented by Frankie, Amelia and Emily. The team even had a sub, a coach and were in water early for a warm up. The first quarter started with Emily winning the swim off by over a body length. The team pushed into offence. The Richmond girls were tight in defence and applied pressure to every pass. Ess/Monash/NYP just couldn’t keep the ball and Richmond’s strong swimmers created many opportunities to score. First quarter saw Richmond up 0-3. The second quarter stared identical to the first with Emily dominating the swim up. Emily had a shot on goal and missed. After regaining the ball, Emily swam the length of the pool with the ball and passed to Amelia who scored the first of the game! Great goal! A much better quarter with better teamwork and excellent saves by the goal keeper. Richmond still managed to put three goals away so the half time score was 1-6. Another strong start to the third quarter! A fast break led to a penalty and converted by Piper. Richmond showed their fitness and strength this quarter adding another 5 goals to their tally, now comfortably ahead at 2-11. In the last quarter Richmond employed the mercy rule to allow Ess/Monash/NYP a chance to set up. The girls earned a kick out and held the ball for a full play passing successfully. Amelia and Frankie showing good vision and placement. Emily earned another kick out and with a quick pass to Frankie who scored the third for the game! Well done Frankie!! Ess/Monash/NYP held Richmond scoreless this quarter thanks to excellent keeping by Sarah. A solid finish to the game.

Ess/Mon/NYPD were defeated by Richmond 14s : 3 - 11 Goals : Amelia 1, Frankie 1, Piper 1

YthG Game Day Photos (courtesy of Danielle Tulloch)

MSL4 Report by Ryan Mills

It was a warm Thursday night at MSAC against a fast paced Melbourne Surge. Liam and Lucas were blasting shots and bagged two goals each. Michael was sending pin point accurate passes to advantage. Nick redeemed himself after missing a one on one last week -he nailed it this week. Paul and Andy were brick walls in goals. Haydo and the Silver Fox as crafty as ever and our two Sams the engine room of the team steam training up and down the pool. Vince a very welcome return after a bit of an inconsistent start to the season due to work commitments managed to sneak a nice goal. With a 6 goal win we should hold 2nd place on the ladder if not pushing our way to 1st.

Essendon defeated Melbourne Surge Onyx : 9 - 3 Goals : Ryan 3, Lucas 2, Liam 2, Vince 1, Nick 1

14&U Boys Report by Tim Elmore

This week, our team faced off against Geelong/MC, a fellow developing team. It was an exciting game as we welcomed Angus for his debut, giving us a two-player bench. Welcome aboard, Angus! The game kicked off with a fast-paced first half. Both teams missed a few early goal opportunities, but Geelong took the lead with the first goal. However, our team quickly responded with some solid plays, leading to Toby's goal in the center forward position. Jack converted a 5-meter opportunity, showcasing our determination to fight back. The second quarter didn't witness any goals, but it illustrated excellent gameplay from both sides. Our defensive trio, Timo, Bullet, and Zac, demonstrated their skill and training by defending several of Geelong's attacks, keeping us in the game. As we switched ends, our team approached the game with renewed positivity. Nate's winning swim allowed Jack to set up Lazar for a well-deserved goal at the center forward position. Our team began to string together effective plays, applying pressure on Geelong. Lazar's steal and subsequent goal extended our lead. The start of the third quarter saw our players finding more space, resulting in goals for Jack and Toby as they took advantage of the open pool. This surge in performance secured our team's first win of the season! It's evident that the team's training, and perseverance paid off during this match.

Essendon defeated Geelong / MC : 7 - 1 Goals : Jack 3, Toby 2, Lazar 2

14&U Boys Game Day Photo (courtesy of Ilona Elmore)