WSL2 - Report by Alex Steere

In a gripping water polo showdown this week, we surged past Footscray with a decisive final score of 21-10. The game was marked by both teams navigating a turbulent pool of challenges, but it was our superior strategy and teamwork that ultimately floated us to victory. With SL3 down a player, we sent Olivia to lend a helping fin. However, we faced  our own roster ripple, managing with only 8 players in the deep end. Despite this, we adapted and overcame, thanks in part to a stellar performance from Phoebe, who, despite her shoulder injury, made waves by scoring an impressive 4 goals! Lara, on the other hand, made some strong drives for Essendon but found herself in hot water, getting rolled in the second quarter. The game saw a total of 17 kick-outs, and while we were fortunate to have a sub, Footscray had to navigate the final quarter with a player down, making their task even more challenging. Katie’s transition from goals to the field in the third quarter proved to be a splash hit, showing she could be a key player in multiple positions. With Phoebe taking over in goals, Essendon saw a strong surge, scoring 6 goals to Footscray’s 3. This shift in roles showcased Essendon’s depth and adaptability, as they continued to dominate the pool. Emmy was a standout performer, netting an impressive 7 goals throughout the match, truly making a splash. Ash and Claudia, worked tirelessly as centre back, was pivotal in disrupting Footscray’s plays and covering their drop. In a particularly notable moment, Ash scored a goal by smashing it through Footscray’s extra-man defence, demonstrating both skill and determination. In a show of sportsmanship and tactical play, Essendon earned and scored three 5m penalties throughout the match. Emmy, Mietta, and Alex each converted their opportunities into points. Lilly, taking over as coach, made sure to steer clear of any penalty mix-ups, reminding the team with a loud call, “someone else take the ball!” to ensure Phoebe didn’t attempt to take her own penalty! With Lilly at the helm as coach, we managed to keep the game on a steady course, ultimately sealing the win with a final score of 21-10. Footscray may have been sunk by the end, but they certainly made a splash with their spirited effort throughout the match.

Essendon defeated Footscray : 21 - 10 Goals : Emmy 7, Alex 4, Phoebe 4, Claudia 2, Mietta 2, Ash 2

WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

This week we reached a new low in player numbers with 8 from 14 girls unavailable. So with just 6, we sent the SOS smoke signal out to the SL2s and were relieved when they were able to afford us a player, in Olivia. With a 7pm start time, LisaAs needed to renegotiate her shift to ensure she made it in time and we were pleased to see just 6 Old Ivanhoe girls signed on when the game got underway. But our joy was short lived. They put away the first 2 goals of the game before we finally took advantage of the extra player, and put a goal in through LisaMS. But the Old Invanhoe girls were faster and had better arms, taking advantage of the turnovers and shooting accurately from 5-7m even when we managed to catch up with them. Down 1-4 as we started the second quarter, things did not improve as their 7th player arrived and we started the feel the lack of a sub. We were held goaless for the second and third terms whilst Old Ivanhoe casually put on 7 goals. We failed to capitalise on 3 kickouts, and our stand-in keeper LisaAs was often facing unguarded players. The final quarter was our best on paper. We were all pretty stuffed, and the opposition knew the game was done but we kept them down to 3 goals, whilst Olivia put away a nice penalty shot and LisaMS snuck in her second. Looking forward to the return of a few of our girls next week for (hopefully) a decent bench!

Thanks Olivia for helping us out, and all the girls for hanging in there til the end!

Essendon were defeated by Old Ivanhoe : 3 - 14 Goals : LisaMS 2, Olivia 1

WSL3 (Combo Jnr Team) - Editor

Our Essendon/Monash/NYPD/DVEA team had a scheduled Bye this week, but will come up against Old Ivanhoe next week in what will prove to be a tough match.

MSL4 - Editor

Our senior men's team had a scheduled Bye this week to re-charge their batteries, but will come up against Footscray next week.