WSL2 - Report by Darren Steere
A beautiful warm night saw 11 girls front up to face off against our old foe NYPD. With numbers in our favour and after playing our best game for some time, last week, we were comfortable with our lot. We were still missing players, we haven’t had our full complement for any game this season. It was a tight first quarter with neither team dominating the other. Claudia and Maria opened our scoring, to match NYPD’s two, making it 2-2 at the break. The second quarter was a preview for the rest of the game, as we continually turned the ball over with bad passes. NYPD capitalised on our mistakes, and if it wasn’t for Katie in goals, I would hate to think what the score line could have been, down 3-5 at halftime. The second half was pretty much the same, with us turning over the ball, then saving it with some good defence. A nice goal to EmilyT, which kept the score line close at 4-7. The final term saw us finishing up at 7-10. It’s important to remember here, that we were missing key players that help pool setup, both in attack and defence and the players that talk and help run the game from the water. We (I) was frustrated with this game, but we have shown that we are still a very game team that could go all the way this season.
Essendon defeated the NYP Dragons : 7 - 10 Goals : Maria 4, Claudia 1, EmilyT 1, Emmy 1
WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal
After 3 weeks enjoying our Tues nights on the couch, it was time to finally head into MSAC for some action. As you'd expect, everyone was itching to play and we had 11 of our 13 girls committed. Then Torben's text arrived that we had 2 new girls at training on Monday night - that had subsequently signed up and keen to play! Torben's sales pitch must be something else! So I was expecting a full quota of 13 for the game, but we'd dropped to 12 when the whistle blew, giving us a comfortable bench of 5. StCath's were pretty lean by comparison, with just 8 girls but we knew they'd be solid. The first quarter was even, with both sides getting shots away but failing to hit the mark. Late in the term StCaths got accurate and we went into the break down 0-1. In the second quarter they found their mojo and things started to fall into place for them as we expected, and we struggled to match their pace in some areas that ultimately cost us. We did well switching and covering breaks but lacked some depth on the forward line, placing too much pressure on the CF to create our attack. At half-time we were down 0-5. We stepped up our efforts in the third term, with Taryn doing a tremendous job in defence and Clare and LisaAs providing a focal point at CF. It was great to have Sally back to swim down breaking players and Caitlin and Heidi created some good passing options under pressure. With Sandra on fire in the cage, we managed to keep them down to two goals, but were still unable to pull one off ourselves. So we started the final quarter down 0-7. Our only aim for the final term was to put a score on the sheet. Hannah and Georgia worked hard all night applying pressure in defence but StCaths were out to add to their percentage and we couldn't stop the goals. However, a shining light from the heavens suddenly descended on MSAC when Megan - one of our 2 new ladies - shot an absolute rocket from 7m on a wide angle singeing the fingertips of the goal keeper on the way through. Job done! And it was pretty much game done too as StCaths continued their scoring. Well done to our other new recruit - Steph - who did a pretty good job for her debut game too!
Essendon were defeated by StCath's : 1 - 12 Goals : Megan 1
WSL3 (Combo Jnr Team)
Essendon/Monash/NYPD/DVEA were defeated by Monash : 1 - 16 Goals : TBC
MSL4 - Report by Michael Venosta
As recently as tonight, at pool not so far away...
ESSENDON WATER POLO: THE RISE OF THE VICTORS
In a thrilling clash, the Essendon team faced off against the formidable Ringwood. The game began with an explosive start, as Essendon struck first, taking a 1-0 lead into the quarter break. As the battle raged on, the force of teamwork propelled Essendon to a larger lead by halftime. In the second half, Felix emerged as a guardian of the goal, skillfully blocking multiple penalties and thwarting Ringwood’s attempts from close range. With the clock ticking down, late-game strikes from Ambrose and Hayden fortified their advantage. Despite Ringwood's valiant efforts, Essendon proved too strong, claiming victory with a final score of 7-4. In this epic water polo saga, the Essendon team showcased their strength, teamwork, and determination, forever etching their triumph in the annals of the game.
And now onto Monash Uni next week......
Essendon defeated Ringwood : 7 - 4 Goals : TBC
12&U Mixed and 14&U Girls (Editor)
With Essendon teaming up with Geelong for these 2 teams - they have been fixtured to play every second week (to reduce travel time and costs for Geelong families) - and will play their Round 1 and Round 2 games next week.
14&U Boys - Report by Natalie Meissner
Last Sunday was the first round of the season for the 14&U boys combined Essendon/Monash team and their first game together for many of the boys. The match was hard fought, but low scoring on the part of the Essenodon/Monash crew. The 2 goals scored were well celebrated though! It was great to see everyone come together with enthusiasm and encouragement towards one another, especially the first gamers. It’ll be great to see what this team can do as they get to know each other over the coming weeks.
Essendon/Monash were defeated by Richmond Black : 2 - 18 Goals : TBC
16-18&U Girls - Report by Torben Fink-Jensen
With this team officially having just 1 Essendon player (Jane) with Amelia due to join later in the season, Essendon's younger players were asked to come to the rescue as Monash were missing a few this week. The Melbourne Marathon traffic also made some of those who were turning up, late. So we had Josie, Ari and Emily join Jane, and with Charlie and Piper there from Monash, we had Zoe, Samara and Rosie join in too from NYP. Since we were playing a Richmond team of experienced 16-18yo girls, we were lucky they started with 6. A 7th turned up in the middle of Q1 and our own late players turned up at various times between Q1 and Q4. It was a bit of a trial by fire for the new girls who stuck doggedly to their task but were outgunned by the experienced Richmond players. We did get a few shots on goal and Charlie came close to scoring with a good shot. Josie had to be careful after picking up a couple of exclusions chasing down players who had broken through and she swapped into goals for Q4. Good to see some potential from Jane and Emily (playing her first game) and hopefully this will set them up better for their next games.
Essendon/Monash were defeated by Richmond Black : 0 - 21
16&U Boys - Report by Tim Elmore
In the first round of the season, the combined Essendon/Monash team faced off against MC Blue at MSAC on Sunday. The game started at a frantic pace, with our boys outplayed by a top age, much larger, well-drilled opponent. As the match progressed, the team began to connect more, creating several scoring opportunities. However, quick transitions led to a series of MC Blue goals. Lots of good signs of improvement and promise.
Essendon/Monash were defeated by MC Blue : 4 - 18 Goals : TBC
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