WSL2 - Report by Torben Fink-Jensen

We had 12 players tonight, playing Melbourne Collegians who are a bit of a bogey team for us.They were equal with us on the ladder, and with finals only 3 weeks away, a win today would be crucial in ensuring we qualify for finals, and make it hard for MC to qualify. We had the first few shots of the game, but they were either saved or curled around the post. Eventually one stuck, but MC matched us goal for goal. MC ended up with the last say as they were a bit faster down the pool for 2-3. Their goalie was really making our lives hard as she was really keeping everything out except for shots to the top corners. Katie in turn was also having some good moments in goal, finger-tipping the ball onto or past the posts on numerous occasions. After a suitable bollocking from Darren, we started with great intent in the second quarter, as Emily won her 2nd swim up and with some swift passing, got the ball back and smashed it into the back of the net. Bene was getting into space well and Mietta sent a great cross-pool pass for another goal. At one point, our attack broke down with the ball dropping a few metres behind Gen. She swum back for it and as the shot clock ran down, we were wondering if she would dump the ball, but Gen had other ideas as she casually threw an 8m bomb for a goal. Gen doubled up later with a great CF twist and score. We gave them one back but it was otherwise a great quarter, finishing at 6-4. Unfortunately, MC came out fighting in the third and scored first. We traded goals, before finally getting on top of them for 9-6 as Claudia smashed one home from close range. The last quarter was frenetic. MC initially looked like they were tiring. But our attacks were floundering and they scored one goal to close the gap to 9-7, before Denise managed to confuse their goalie and hit the top corner. We thought we were safe with 1:30 to go,  but MC put on a spurt and managed to catch our team unwares on attack twice. We gave up a couple of penalties, the first one missing, before the second one scored off a post rebound. Mietta fouled out on the 2nd, but by then it didn't matter as the clock was running down, and we kept on top for a 2 goal win.

Essendon defeated Melbourne Collegians : 10 - 8   

Goals : Bene 4, Gen 2, Claudia 1, Denise 1, Emily 1, Mietta 1

BELOW : WSL2 game night photos courtesy of Torben Fink-Jensen (see more on our FB page)

WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

This week we faced ladder leaders Monash.  With a list of 15 girls, we soon firmed up a full squad of 13 to take on this challenge, with LisaAs covering for Sandra in goals. But as we got closer to game time, our list dwindled to 9, and with LisaAs stuck in traffic we started the game with 8 - and Sheridan covering the cage.  Not what we'd planned, but we hit the ground running taking it up to Monash in the first few minutes as the ball changed possession without either team finding the net.  Monash scored twice before Taryn opened up our account with a strong shot.  Our defence for the most part held well, but Monash managed another goal, just before the break making it 1-3.  LisaAs slotted into goal for the second quarter, freeing up Sher to take the field.  Our set up in attack let us down a little as Monash sloughed back on our CF and we failed to make effective space for our free player.  We managed some shots, but didn't push their keeper too hard.  Monash made us pay for our defensive errors down the other end putting 5 goals away so we headed into the halftime break down 1-8.  We stepped up our game in the second half and really out played Monash (6 to 4).  In the third, Clare brought home 2 goals and Sher a single whilst we kept Monash down to 2, now 4-10.  Our momentum continued into the final quarter with Sally stepping up to the plate adding 2 goals and Megan slotting in another.  Polina made some excellent drives and Georgia continued to be a rock in defence. Again we restricted Monash to a double as the clock wound down.  This was one of our better games all comp, the girls did really well against quality opposition.

Essendon were defeated by Monash : 7 - 12   

Goals : Clare 2, Sally 2, Taryn 1, Sheridan 1, Megan 1

BELOW : WSL3 game night photos courtesy of Torben Fink-Jensen (see more on our FB page)

WSL3 (Combo Jnr Team) - Editor

This week our junior girls came up against Old Ivanhoe, but were pleasantly surprised to see they fell well short on numbers, and the game was officially a walkover win. A scratch match was played so the trip into MSAC wasn't wasted.

Essendon/Monash/NYPD/DVEA defeated Old Ivanhoe : 8 - 0 (WALKOVER)  

MSL4 - Report by Matt Roberts

It was a fine spring Melbourne evening with the SL4 stacked with a full bench despite the Mills boys being back in Bali throwing dirt in the air trying to convince the airlines it was a volcano so they could keep on the bing tang. Callum flew out of the blocks winning swim up after swim up he doesn’t say much just lets the arms do the talking. Lee owes him a beer for getting back in the pool after a rare infraction who would have guessed the ref knew Kiwi swear words! The game started with a close couple of minutes neck and neck until a couple of pieces of brilliant play saw some nice passes resulting in a few goals, including a brilliant one by me (I’m not under oath am I?). We played some good polo and even had some shape in offence and as we write boringly every week Felix the wall blocked everything. The only thing he didn’t finish was his haircut! What’s with that ?! Even though Paul Hunter had a caterpillar under his nose he swam like a shark. Glad to see he puts more effort in the pool than into the moustache. We were consistant until the last quarter when we relaxed and a few fancy passes didn’t come off. A few lucky shots got them back within 3 but we pulled ourselves together to move forward, including a Lav Lancet shot striking the net. We settled down to run out winners by 3 goals. I think I scored most of them but it was hard to see from the bench. Remember gang - finals coming up in 2 weeks so let’s get to training. Also everyone, a reminder that your membership includes entry to the Windy Hill venue so if you want a nice meal and haven’t got a membership card let me know and I'll swipe you in - just buy me a beer! This report was brought to you by Mattgpt any errors are ai’s 😁

Essendon defeated the NYP Dragons : 8 - 5   

Goals : Lee 5, Lav 1, Callum 1, Liam 1

12&U Mixed - Editor

Round 4 was a scheduled BYE for the 12s, with 2 games being played this Sunday, both at Hawthorn.

GAME 1 :  Vs Northcote (9.30am)

GAME 2 :  Vs Footscray (10.50am)

14&U Girls - Editor

Round 4 was a scheduled BYE for the girls, with 2 games being played this Sunday, both at MSAC.

GAME 1 :  Vs Richmond Yellow (9.15am)

GAME 2 :  Vs Melbourne Collegians (10.25am)

14&U Boys 

Essendon/Monash were defeated by DVE Aquatic : 5 - 13  Goals : TBC

Girls Combined 

Essendon/Monash were defeated by Richmond Yellow : 2 - 20  Goals : TBC

YthBoys - Editor

No games were scheduled for any teams in this grade last Sunday, as the Canberra Cup was being held across the weekend in the ACT. Two of our players travelled interstate to compete - Lazar Dujakovi and Felix Neal - scroll down for Felix's report on the Canberra Cup!

Games will resume for the Youth Boys this Sunday with a match against Richmond Black.

Boys U17 - Report by Felix Neal

A short plane ride to Canberra late Friday evening saw the team arrive late and tired. The first morning had a planned breakfast with the team where we were able to meet the new faces and get to know each other more. The first game kicked off at 12:40pm, against a top side in Canberra Grammar School, and unfortunately they out swam us for a 3-11 loss. Our second game would come after a team meeting that allowed us to work on new plays and defence strategies. This time we would face Nordek, and after the first quarter we would be up 3-0. Then a scoreless second quarter saw us still leading 3-0 at halftime. The third quarter played out till 10 seconds left as I lobed the ball down the pool for a full pool goal! The fourth quarter saw Archie move into the role of keeper and the final score was 5-3, a Monash/Essendon win! The final game of the day came at 6pm, and despite it being a close battle the Drumoyne Devils pulled ahead to win 5-7. That night our team would enjoy a lovely dinner together.

The following morning would be filled with two games. The first of which would be against the Wagga Bidgeegators and it would come down to the last minute. After a miracle comeback by Monash/Essendon to equal the score at 5-5 with 1 minute left a 5 meter penalty was given away. The center forward of the Bidgeegators buried it and left us with a 5-6 loss. Our final game would be up against SNL, the final score would show our ability as a team as we won that game 11-4.