WSL2 - Report by Torben Fink-Jensen

Essendon started the last game before finals with 12 players vs Richmond's 10. We were in 2nd place guaranteed a finals place, and the Tigers needed a win and someone else to lose to get in the running. The first half of the first quarter had us on auto pilot as we managed 3 quite quick goals, with Gen holding them up at CF for a penalty, then Bene and Emmy shooting strongly from the field. They got back with one goal but then they scored 4 of the next 5 goals. Mietta did one of her usual sneaky attacks on their goalie and forced a ball under which was a penalty, which Alex scored for 4-5. Luckily Gen got us one more penalty at the end for Alex to even it up 5-5 at the break. In the second quarter, Emily lost the swim up but turned with her player and created a strong defence to deny a goal, and then swift passing up the pool allowed Lara to sneak in a goal at the near post. Following this, we squandered a lot of chances, probably 6 in a row where we shot straight at the GK. This was especially troubling given that Richmond were missing their regular goalie and were using fill-ins. Bene finally got us a second goal and we finished the term 7-7. The third quarter at least allowed us a chance to take the lead. Richmond were hanging on, thwarting goals through a large number of major fouls. By changing goal keepers and thus cap numbers every quarter, keeping track of the players who had 3 major fouls became almost impossible.  Essendon again weren't able to get the ball cleanly into the corners. Bene scored a backhand from an impossible position to add to her other goals and Alex scored another penalty, rounding out at 10-7. It was pretty clear in the final quarter that Richmond were tiring and we had enough fresh players to cause trouble. Essendon finally discovered their ability to hit corners, providing a much better showing with almost all the shots going beyond reach leading to a 5-0 quarter, and keeping Richmond scoreless for the 2nd half.

Essendon defeated the Richmond Tigers : 15 - 7  

Goals : Bene 4, Alex 4, Mietta 2, Lara 1, Phoebe 1, Gen 1, Emmy 1, Maria 1

BELOW : Our WSL2 girls in action this week (photos courtesy of Torben Fink-Jensen - see more on our FB page)

WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

Bottom of the ladder Vs top of the table - our final game of this competition! A strong turnout too with 12 of our players hitting the MSAC diving pool for the last time this year and all hoping for a miracle that might see us get across the line for our first win since Oct 2024... 😬The first quarter was a close affair with both sides scrambling for the ball in unelegant style. But as things settled, Monash had the stronger play putting away 3 goals, but Megan got us onto the scoreboard for a single. The second quarter saw us step up in defence, forcing Monash to shoot long or wide. Sandra in goals kept them to just 2, before swimming down the other end herself to score our second. The 2-5 halftime score wasn't bad. But we let ourselves down in the third, with some poor defence on the turnovers, and crowded ourselves in attack allowing Monash some easy intercepts. We didn't score and Monash added another 3. So the final quarter was more about one-on-one polo, and take your chances when you got them. Our best effort for the game, with Kerrie finding the back of the net and Megan putting away her second. A rattled Monash resorted to rough play and verbal abuse despite landing 2 of their own.

There was no Miracle on 34th Street in the lead up to Christmas, but it was a relatively positive note to end on. Well done to all the girls for turning up each week, despite some of the smackings we have been dealt, and having a go! And special thanks to Torben, who stayed back late after the 2s game, to do our table duty #topbloke !

Essendon were defeated by Monash : 4 - 10  Goals : Megan 2, Sandra 1, Kerrie 1

MSL4 

Report #1 by Liam Venosta

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You said : I need a match report a waterpolo game using the following details.

The final scores were Essendon 8 Monash 7

It was a very tough first quarter with only 1 goal for Monash.The next 3 quarters were close with essendon scoring 3 goals in the 3rd quarter to start the 4th quarter 1 goal ahead. Monash were taking tough shots all game but were unable to make enough conversion thanks to our pro goalie Andrew who needs to claim his over time.Ryan lead in goals scored with three, followed by Paul with 2, and 1 each for Luke, Vince and Ricardo.

Liam nearly lost a finger to a hungry Monash player but managed to finish the game.

ChatGPT said: Here’s a polished match report based on your details :

Essendon emerged victorious in a nail-biting contest against Monash, securing an 8–7 win after four fiercely contested quarters.

Q1: The match opened with intense defensive pressure from both teams. Scoring opportunities were limited across the board, and the only breakthrough came from Monash, who managed the sole goal of the quarter.

Q2 & Q3 : As both sides settled into rhythm, the game opened up. Essendon and Monash traded goals throughout the middle periods, keeping the scoreboard tight. The pivotal moment came in the 3rd quarter, where Essendon struck with three goals, swinging the momentum and sending the match into the 4th quarter with Essendon holding a one-goal lead.

Q4 :The final term was fought with relentless energy. Monash continued to fire off tough shots from every angle, but Essendon’s last line of defence held strong. Pro goalie Andrew delivered a standout performance, shutting down multiple high-difficulty attempts—he’ll definitely need to claim his overtime for the shift he put in.

Report #2 by Luke Smith

In the air tonight

So we started like a Phil Collins anthem, slow, very slow. There must have been something in the air as we were still to trouble the scorers at quarter time. Yet Andy was brilliant saving several and only letting a solitary ball past him. 

In the second quarter the drum beat started, albeit with a slow cadence. Vince slotted one like a Tyson hook and we were on the board, shortly followed by Ryan to level the scores 2-2 at the main break.  The third quarter had the game open up with 7 but for the most part goal for goal leaving us only 1 up at three quarter time. It should not be understated the game being played by our fearless No.1 Andy who by the last change had saved several with the stat sheet showing the opposition with more corners than goals. What an effort. We were down to 20seconds and scores even at 7-7, extra man went our way where we finally passed the ball around like we actually all turn up to training. Pass, pass, pass, pass, Paullllllll. 

Essendon defeated the Monash Uni Dolphins : 8 - 7  Goals : Rayn 3, Paul 2, luke 1, Vince 1, Ricardo 1

MSL5 - Report by Bryan Wee

Called to the rescue, Bryan donned the togs for Monash this week who struggled to get numbers in the pool. A man down game was saved by Monash's lady president who got in the pool to make it a full 7. Defence was strong, that was the plan and it was only until the second half when we tired that they scored. Great to come away with a win!

Monash White/Essendon defeated Melbourne Surge Emerald : 8 - 3 Goals : Bryan 7, Ian 1

12&U Mixed - Report by Sheridan Mom

Our U12s took on Northcote this week at the outdoor pool at Hawthorn. After a wet and rainy morning, the skies cleared, giving us perfect conditions for a great game. With a full squad of 12, rotations were smooth, making subbing much easier this week throughout the match.

It was a highly competitive contest with both teams evenly matched. Northcote’s defense was strong, closing down our forward line and making it tough to break through and create space. Despite the challenge, our kids showed fantastic teamwork, sharing the ball around and staying patient. Their persistence paid off as we managed to find the back of the net and score some well-earned goals.

Well done – a great effort and solid teamwork!

Essendon/DVE Aquatic defeated Northcote : 4 - 3  Goals : Dean 2, Xavier 1, Nicky 1

14&U Boys - Report by Jamie Kirby

A difficult match this week against MC Blue for our combined club team. Jumping in the steamy Hawthorn outdoor pool, our 7 players looked across at the 12 MC boys! It looked like it was going to be a challenge, and so it proved to be. Our boys were outclassed early, trailing 0-6 at quarter time. The 2nd quarter saw some better passages, with some good passing and good movement earning a penalty! The shot was saved by their very good goalkeeper unfortunately and it was 0-11 at half time.  The MC domination continued, despite some reinforcements arriving (we had 9 players now). We created a few chances in the second half, some 2-on-1s and good shots, all saved by their confident keeper.

Dust ourselves off, ready to go again next Sunday!

Footscray/Essendon/Monash/Northcote were defeated the Melbourne Collegians Blue : 0 - 20

14&U Girls 

GAME 1 : Marlins/Essendon/Ballarat were defeated by the Richmond Tigers : 2 - 15

GAME 2 : Marlins/Essendon/Ballarat were defeated by DVE Aquatic : 1 - 19

Youth Boys (Jack) - Report by Ilona Elmore

Monash was a forfeit this week, with only 4 of their players turning up for the game. With DVE(Essendon) having 12 on the list and the DVE coaches Zac and Liam poolside,  everyone decided to jump in for a scratch match, so not much to report. 

The team is undefeated so far, and will be playing MC next week. This will be the first big challenge of the season (I saw the size of the MC boys!!!) and will be a good test for the team.  

DVE Aquatic(Essendon) defeated Monash : 0 - 8 (Forfeit)

Youth Boys (Timo)

Northcote(Essendon) were defeated by Melbourne Collegians Blue : 1 - 16

Youth Girls - Report by Kate Simnett

GAME 1 : After a number of weeks off, the girls were back in the pool against some Canberra Cup/ECC friends at Northcote.  The first three quarters were strongly defended with some excellent pressure from Ari and Amber in particular as well as some spectacular saves from Isla in goals. 

Essendon/Marlins were defeated by Northcote : 3 - 7 Goals : Madeleine 1, Josie 1, Kate 1

GAME 2 : Our second match kicked off with some attacking play from the Essendon/Geelong girls with the lead swapping back and forth throughout the game. A final goal from Madeleine pulling off the draw in the last moment with another opportunity to get a win, just missed. Next time!

A big thanks to Sandra for coaching as well as Lucy & Dermott for scoring. 

Essendon/Marlins drew with Melbourne Collegians/DVE Aquatic : 4 - 4 Goals : Madeleine 2, Josie 2

Junior Men - Report by Felix Neal

This week the team would be tested by a strong Richmond side. The game began with us going one goal down, this seemed to wake everyone up and we pushed hard from there. We went into the half 3-2 up. The second half was important and our defence had to stay locked in. We continued to counter attack with better results and ended the game 5 goals ahead.

DVE Aquatic(Essendon) defeated Richmond Black : 8 - 3 Goals : TBC