WSL2 - Report by Darren Steere

After organising Olivia and Emmy to play with SL3, we had 9 eager players to face our old foe Footscray. We didn’t get off to a very good start, with Footscray finding the back of our net 5 times. Phoebe added our only goal for the quarter, 1-5. We dragged the game back to even in the second quarter. We were unlucky on a couple of occasions in front of goal, but Claudia hit a purple patch and scored twice, going into the halftime break at 3-7. The third quarter saw us gain our mojo back, getting kickouts and scoring goals. Alex got her eye in with 3 goals and Phoebe added another.  Ash was a welcome return with her speed and relished taking on the CB role. Katie was playing solid in goals and  “The Twins” played their best game, pushing forward and held CB when required. Maria was busy driving and trying to find space. Lara was giving her all as usual, glowing red. Starting the final quarter down 7-9 but full of confidence, the girls had got Footscray frustrated and with 3 of their 8 girls on 2 fouls, we felt we had a good chance. The girls gave their all, and with Alex bagging two, we were nearly there. Footscray struck back with two of their own, and then Phoebe scored to make it just one goal the difference. Footscray sensing the danger played keepings off for the last minute or so. And the girls came up a goal short. A much better effort after last week against stronger opposition.

Essendon was defeated by Footscray : 10 - 11   Goals : Alex 5, Phebe 3, Claudia 2

WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

After having 11 girls available last week, and having the game called off, it was a real turnabout for this week's game against old rivals StCaths. Funerals, illnesses, a birthday party and parent teacher interviews took 6 players off the agenda, leaving us with the bare 7. A cry for help saw the WSL2 squad come to the rescue, offering us EmilyL and Olivia to ensure we had a bench and a means of surving the game. An added bonus too that these girls could really swim! We got off to a great start, and scored through Olivia and Clare with StCaths putting one away before the quartertime break, 2-1. We began the second just as solidly, with another goal to Clare, now up 3-1. But StCaths started to find space and our defence got sloppy on the turnovers allowing them to put 3 goals into the net, taking the lead 3-4 at halftime. The third quarter was fairly even. We couldn't make our forward line work despite earning kickouts, and we didn't utilise our free player when they sloughed back a defender to double up on our centre forward. We didn't score and StCaths added another to their tally, 3-5. The final quarter saw us doing a better job up forward, with goals coming from Olivia and EmilyL, but StCaths more than matched our efforts, putting away another 3. We need to work on our attacking play and positioning as well as our efforts to retain possession. Did someone say training?😳🤭

Essendon were defeated by St.Catherine's : 5 - 9 Goals : Clare 2, Olivia 2, EmilyL 1

WSL3 (Combo Jnr Team) - Report by Frankie Varghese

Our first game for this comp was a tough but enjoyable one. Monash played a strong game and won, but our team made them work for it. In the first quarter, they were in the lead with 6 goals but by the second quarter, we had successfully defended most of their attacks. Our one goal was made by Sienna. Even though it was a hard match, it was lots of fun and it was great to play with some new people on our team.

Essendon/Monash/NYPD/DVEA were defeated by Monash : 1 - 12 Goals : Sienna 1

MSL4 - Report by Ryan Mills

On a chilly night showdown, Essendon dominated the pool, sealing a commanding 11-5 victory over Surge. Andy's heroic saves in goal kept our fortress secure, while Ambrose, Sam B, Sam J, Michael, and Liam dazzled with breathtaking goals. Paul's relentless battle in center forward kept the pressure on. Bryan was fighting off 4 Surge players at once and copped an unfortunate trip to the hospital with a black eye. Essendon's triumph shone brightly under the cold night sky, marking a memorable victory in the water.

Essendon defeated Melbourne Surge : 11 - 5   

Goals : Ryan 4, Ambrose 2, SamB 2, SamJ 1, Liam 1, Michael 1

BELOW : Bryan Wee recovers from the SL4 battlefield

12&U Mixed - Report by Kate Simnett

Do you remember your first match? Last Sunday our new 12&U combined team began their winter season. The game itself was a close run loss, but what the team lacked in experience they more than made up for in enthusiasm!

There was one very new player we ‘post-match-interviewed’ for a brand new water polo player perspective! After the match we asked Reuben (one training session then straight into his first game!) how it went and what he remembered. The big impressions were :

1. that it felt good because there was lots of passing, 

2. the water in the eyes and the continual splashing made it hard to see what was going on, 

3. when he had the ball and people came to tackle, it was a quick glance and then pass to a team mate in a better position, and then move to space.

We asked if he’d play again? An emphatic yes!

Essendon/Footscray were defeated by Melbourne Collegians : Score TBC   Goals : TBC

14&U Girls - Report by Kate Simnett

There was a palpable joy on the pool deck with the commencement of the winter comp from the girls on Sunday morning - hugs and greetings; obviously they had missed water polo and each other over the break! The combination team from Essendon, Footscray and Northcote started strong with a some new skills, particularly in tackling and winning fouls, on display. The Richmond team had a couple of very strong shooters and showed some admirable passing up front to put themselves well in the lead. Once the margin had got to 0-15 there was some swaps and interestingly the scoreline didn’t much change, in fact I thought defence was slightly weaker! I know parents always say this (well, that’s the feedback I get from my kids!), but the score didn’t reflect the vast improvement in the skills, positioning and defence in particular since the start of last season!

Essendon/Footscray/Northcote were defeated by Richmond : 0 - 22   

14&U Boys

Essendon/Monash/Geelong/Footscray Vs Richmond : game result unknown

Youth Boys - Report by Felix Neal

The first matchup of the season was how you would expect with everyone slowly regaining their lost skills from the break. The first quarter ended with a 4 goal lead to Melbourne Collegians. The half left us down 0-7 but our team kept on fighting. Despite being goaless in the third quarter and down 0-12 we kept up our game and spirits, trying to play at our best ability. It was a hard loss first game up, but we managed to take some positives heading into next week.

Essendon/Monash/NYPD/Northcote were defeated by Melbourne Collegians : 0 - 16  

17&U Boys Interstate Challenge 2024 - Report by Felix Neal

Heading into the interstate challenge with confidence in our skills and work rate, we had high hopes. The team got along very well with each other and began our trip with a flight up to Canberra on Friday night for the AIS based tournament. Arriving late evening, dinner was on our minds and we were delighted by the food over our time there. The following morning was the first game day and we began with a tough matchup with ACT Blue. The game started with the opponents taking the lead, and maintaining it throughout the game leading them to win by 4. As our first game as an official team, we were okay with our performance but knew it needed work. Our second game of the day was facing the Queensland Maroons, another tough matchup. With more of the squad's stars stepping up we ran away with the lead early. Throughout the third quarter, Queensland mounted a comeback but was quickly thwarted by a collective effort from the squad. Victoria squared the victory, finishing off the day with a win and a loss. The next day of the tournament was far more relaxed with us playing both ACT and Queensland’s second teams. Winning both these games comfortably, 15-1 and 14-5 respectively. The third and final day saw us matching up with another Queensland team. The start of the game remained close but with huge efforts from our boys, we forged ahead to a 10-2 win that would secure our spot in the grand final. It would be a tough contest, with our opponents being the unbeaten favorites, in the ACT. But we supported each other throughout the game and put away some stunning goals, finishing off with a 12-8 win and a great trophy! (see pic below). The tournament as a whole was very enjoyable and we were very glad we could bring it home.

BELOW : Boys 17&U Interstate Challenge Champions (Photo courtesy of Water Polo ACT)