

WSL2 - Report by Torben Fink-Jensen
We had 12 players tonight as our numbers started to recover as some of our girls are heading past exam season. Essendon has 4 games to go including today, and is equal 2nd place (ahead on goal difference) on the ladder, there remains a slight question mark over whether qualification is certain, and if they do qualify, whether it will be 2nd, 3rd or 4th. This means winning as many of these games as possible is required. Richmond had 9 players, with their usual goalkeeper missing, so Essendon hoped to be bring its numerical advantage to bear. We started strongly with Gen in CF, turning her defender with ease. A drive and shot from Alex found the back of the net and good passing led to Mietta scoring for 3-0. Richmond weren't going to go down without a fight though and their CF started turning our players as well, and despite Bene scoring our 4th, it was 4-4 before Essendon managed a late flurry for 6-4. We kept the pressure on in the 2nd quarter through excellent defence and great passing. Our shots were all hitting the back of the net, taking the umpires out of play, which was lucky because they were seeing all sorts of transgressions and handing out exclusions like free cars at an Oprah Winfrey special. Katie was leaping around the cage like a gazelle keeping Richmond's shots out. Essendon were looking good out front at half time at 11-5. The pressure stayed on in the 3rd quarter as we swum our hearts out and Richmond visibly started tiring. Katie was again keeping almost everything out as we went to the 3rd quarter break at 14-6. We had broken their spirits in the 4th quarter and Emmy was shooting goals from ridiculous positions to break their hearts as well. Alex and Bene were running riot, and Mietta shot her 2nd penalty, meanwhile Katie kept two penalties out at the other end. With the final score at 21-7, and another big boost to our goal difference, Essendon lifted closer to certain qualification.
Essendon defeated Richmond : 21 - 7
Goals : Alex 5, Mietta 5, Emmy 4, Bene 3, Gen 2, Phoebe 1, Emily 1
BELOW : WSL2 game night photos courtesy of Torben Fink-Jensen (see more on our FB page)
WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal
This weeks game was tough, up against a strong Old Ivanohoe who have dominated this grade for the last few years. With 12 players available, we droppped to 10 at game time, then it looked like we'd have to play with 9 and one on table duty (with Heidi being just a little too keen to do the job) before Hannah secured an opposition spectator to cover for us. So we got underway with a comfortable bench of 3. We started pretty well, keeping Old Ivanhoe from having serious shots on goal but equally we were unable to finish off our attacks with some sloppy passes or poor positioning resulting in crowding. Eventually they scored twice, exposing some defensive holes before we could get on the board with a nice corner shot from Taryn. A counter attack moments later saw them score again, and we were down 1-3 at the first break. It was pretty even in the second, as our defense was better and Sandra in goals seemed to have rubbery arms. They eventually snuck one in, but we were unbale to produce the goods down the other end. They were sloughing back on CF and we weren't able to take advantage of our extra player. So the halftime scoreline was a respectable 1-4. Things deteriorated after that. I think Old Ivanhoe stepped up a gear, rather than us dropping the ball as we didn't play too badly. With multiple new and inexperienced players in the pool we sometimes chose poorly with passes, not seeing the bigger picture or players on a lead. We also struggled to set up in front of goal with crowding or blocking the pass into the CF. With more time at training and more game action these will be corrected over time. We did manage one goal in the second half with a long lob from LisaMS, but Old Ivanhoe took control adding another 8.
Essendon were defeated by Old Ivanhoe : 2 - 12
Goals : Taryn 1, LisaMS 1
WSL3 (Combo Jnr Team) - Editor
This week our junior girls enjoyed a night at home with a scheduled Bye, but will face Old Ivanhoe for their next game.
MSL4 - Report by Ambrose Mills
A chilly, spooky evening down at the SAC tonight, and as always, Felix was hungry, devouring everything the Hippos sent his way. Our Silver Fox was slightly less cunning tonight, missing three point-blank shots in four seconds—a new record! But solid offense and defense let the Bombers pull ahead comfortably. In the final quarter, any hope for the opposition was crushed as Lav launched a missile that nearly tore through the goalkeeper, sealing a 7 goal victory. A fantastic win that locks in second place for the SL4 boys!
Essendon defeated the Richmond Hippos : 9 - 2
Goals : Ryan 4, Lee 2, Lav 1, Callum 1, Sam 1


12&U Mixed - Report by Sheridan Mom
This week we saw a big improvement in the Essendon/Geelong team. The kids are starting to bond and get to know each other, which helps. As the regular goalie was unavailable this week, Dean and Xavier had a go at goalie as part of the rotation. The team set up well at times, and produced some great driving which saw our first goal from Essendon player Dean, who swam well with the ball, to put it in the back of the net. Xavier and Amia swam well all game and created many scoring assists for other goals. Anje battled well and worked hard in defence. The team still needs to work on the turnovers and covering the counter attacks but that will come with experience as they get more match play.
GAME 1 : Essendon/Geelong were defeated by Melb Collegians : 2 - 9 Goals : Dean 1, Emma 1
GAME 2 : Essendon/Geelong were defeated by Rich Yellow : 3 - 12 Goals : Emma 1, Chloe 1, Harriet 1
14&U Girls - Report by Kate Simnett
The girls played a well-matched game against a well-known Northcote team. Though it ended in a 5 goal loss, the girls started strong and made the most of the lack of a Northcote bench. It was our only game for the weekend, as DVE were unable to field a team.
GAME 1 : Essendon/Geelong were defeated by Northcote : 7 - 12 Goals : TBC
GAME 2 : Essendon/Geelong defeated DVE Aquatic : 8 - 0 (FORFEIT RECIEVED)
14&U Boys - Report by Natalie Meissner
The boys managed to pull a full team together on Sunday despite a couple of late withdrawals. Unfortunately they were unable to find the form they were in the week before and were outmatched by the Marlins.
Essendon/Monash were defeated by Geelong : 5 - 14 Goals : TBC
Girls Combined - Editor
Essendon/Monash were defeated by Melbourne Collegians : 1 - 12 Goals : TBC
YthBoys - Report by Ilona Elmore
The boys started strongly and really matched Richmond in the first quarter. A couple of missed opportunities and some unlucky moments rounded out the first half. By the second half, Richmond's physicality took a toll on the boys. The Essendon boys, known for not giving up, really gave it their all. Lazar getting some good game time driving the ball forward, Timo really doing some good defensive work in the last quarter to match it with a bigger body, Magnus and Jack stepping up and into goals for the team. The score didn't really reflect the competitive nature of the game. Some good water polo played and lots of lessons learnt.
A couple of weeks off now....
Essendon/Monash were defeated by Richmond Yellow : 6 - 23 Goals : TBC

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