WSL2 - Report by Olivia Richards

In the evening game against Richmond Cubs, eleven players braced for a fight. The swim-up win sparked a thrilling start, Lara’s top-corner shot, a work of art. Emmy’s pressure caused a turnover, but our chance to convert slipped over. Questions loomed—"Will we fake or fight?" Determined, we pushed with all our might. Claudia earned a penalty with flair, her goal lifted spirits in the air. Richmond scored four times, a challenging plight, Kyrene’s bounce shot closed the first quarter right. The second quarter saw our defense shine, Richmond was scoreless, our play refined. Bene’s pass to Lara was right on cue, another goal, and our lead grew. Katie’s saves were outstanding and true, stopping shots, our hopes renewed. Claudia’s second goal gave us a lift, Phoebe’s transition was a flawless gift. At halftime, we led 7-4, Richmond struggled, their spirit wore. Phoebe’s kick-out chance went amiss, Katie’s bravery led to an ejection bliss. Though Claudia’s shot was blocked in the fray, Kyrene’s bounce shot kept us in play. A strong defense led to Emmy’s goal, a powerful strike, an essential role. Phoebe, inspired, scored with finesse, a backhand shot, no less. In the final stretch, Richmond’s hopes sank, Kyrene’s bounce shot, a perfect prank. Phoebe’s backhand goal, Lara’s defense tight, our team’s effort was a dazzling sight. With the final whistle, joy erupted— 12-8, the Richmond Cubs were beat

Essendon defeated the Richmond Cubs : 12 - 8  

Goals : Lara 3, Kyrene 3, Phoebe 3, Claudia 2, Emmy 1

WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

Coming off a confident win last week, we knew it would be a tougher assignment this week having to face the reigning premiers Old Ivanhoe. Undefeated last comp, they have a good spread of experience and speed. We had another full list this week, with 12 of our 14 girls available, so Heidi opted to sit poolside for coaching support giving us a more managable bench of 4. As the whistle blew it became apparent very quicky that we lacked the structure and cohesion of last week's game. We struggled with passing, our defence wasn't great, our movement in offense was poor and our shots were off target. Nothing seemed to be going right. We battled on for 3 quarters, without a score as Old Ivanhoe kept puting them away. Down 0-13 as the final quarter started, we tried to focus on our set up in attack, with one or two centre forwards and moving players around to drive. We were desperate to score, and our first goal came from an angled shot on the wing by Clare. This was followed shortly after with a strong arm from point courtesy of Taryn. We better defence we kept Old Ivanhoe to a single, and Clare manged to get off her second goal before the final whistle. Plenty to improve on for next week!

Despite not coming away with a win, we'd like to dedicate this game to Caitlin's pop Noel, who passed away recently. Our sincere condolences to the family.

Essendon were defeated by Old Ivanhoe : 3 - 14

Goals : Clare 2, Taryn 1

WSL3 (Combo Jnr Team) 

The junior collective from Essendon, Monash, NYP Dragons and DVE Aquatic enjoyed a comfy night at home with a scheduled bye this week, but will be back in the pool next week for a tough encounter with the reigning premiers, Old Ivanhoe.

MSL4 - Report by Hayden Woods

Relief washed over the Mens SL4 team with the realisation that there would be 5 on the bench for this week's game, however the relief was short lived when a similarly sized but much younger (albeit not as suave or good looking) Monash Uni outfit arrived on deck. In a tightly fought, evenly matched and hard swimming affair, Essendon found themselves punished regularly for technical infractions, conceding 10 kick outs during the game.  This included the loss of swim-off and scoring extraordinaire 'The Silver Fox' Lee Howe during the first quarter, who had to settle for coaching and pom pom waving duties from the team corner for the rest of the game.   Regardless, the game remained tight throughout, with any lead never extending beyond a goal and scores remaining level at every change.  Ryan Mills was causing Monash all sorts of trouble at centre forward scoring 4 goals including several vicious backhanders, while young gun keeper Felix was standing mighty in the cage at the other end staring down a tirade of extra man shots, including knocking down a 5m penalty.   A mid pool break by Essendon with seconds left on the clock almost resulted in glory, with Paul Hunter in tight heroically fighting off several defenders on his back to let off a shot right on the buzzer, only to be denied by a sensational save by the Monash goalkeeper.  Scores remained level at the end for a hard fought draw.  

Essendon drew with Monash : 7 - 7 

Goals : Ryan 4, Ambrose 1, Liam 1, Lee 1

12&U Mixed - Report by Kate Turpin

As the sun warmed the back of parents and supporters on Sunday morning, it almost felt like the pool was empty this week. Unlike Autumn when there seemed to be a spare team waiting behind the ropes, this week we only had one sub, meaning our crew all had to work hard; and they rose to the challenge of facing off against a competitive, skilled and resourced Richmond. Each week the communication between players is getting clearer and louder, the ability to find space and predict where the ball will go is becoming apparent, and the speed up and down the pool is increasing.  Amira maneuvered a perfect shot to start our scoring, nicely consolidated by Hunter, encouraging the vocal and energetic cheers from the sideline that are synonymous with the Essendon/Footscray supporters! With every goal, good pass or brave moment of defence, the "crowd" roars once more...who needs the Olympics?! The enjoyment that each player gets from being in the pool is evidenced by the eagerness to get in the water, cheers when we score, and smiles when they all get out. It was a loss this week, but as confidence grows we are bound to see more shots taken, more going into the nets and even bigger smiles at the end of the game.

Essendon/Footscray were defeated by Richmond : 2 - 16  Goals : Amira 1, Hunter 1

14&U Girls - Report by Kate Turpin

With a couple of players out this week we knew it was going to be tough, but the girls put up a great fight. As they continue to better understand the rules of the game and as they all get to know each other, there are clear improvements to be seen.  Violet and JosieM both managed to get a couple of shots past the opposition to get us on the board. There were a few more close calls, which made it an exciting game from the sidelines. JosieM and Amber were focused on protecting the goal, and managed to elicit "oohs" and "aahs" from the parents with their defence! There seems to be a real love of the game forming for these young players, and they certainly put everything into this match, with both spectators and players clearly happy to be out in the sunshine for a bit of Sunday Morning water polo!

Essendon/Footscray/Northcote were defeated by DVE/Monash : 4 - 10   Goals : Josie 2, Violet 2

14&U Boys

Essendon/Monash/Geelong/Footscray were defeated by Melbourne Collegians : 1 - 11

Youth Boys

Essendon/Monash/NYPD/Northcote were defeated by Richmond Yellow : 0 - 8 (FORFEIT)