WSL2 - Report by Torben Fink-Jensen

Essendon were playing NYP this week with a squad of nine players vs their ten. NYP has had a slow start to the season, so we hoped we wouldn't be their chance to stage a recovery.

Essendon were quick out of the blocks with a goal to Alex and a follow up from Emmy. Unfortunately, we got on the wrong side of the refs as we struggled to adapt to their rulings and received a number of kickouts. NYP were able to come back with a long goal and then one from a close in wrestle, making it 2-2 at the break. The kickouts bit us quickly as Mietta was fouled out in the first minute of the 2nd quarter, but we managed to score the first goal to make it 3-2. NYP were playing aggressively and kept the game close, getting easier shots away and closed the game up as we fought hard to get our goals. The score stayed even at 5-5 by halftime. The third was another topsy-turvy quarter with both teams having a spell in the lead. Olivia fouled out leaving Essendon with only 7 players in the pool. Maria scored a great goal into the far corner, Emmy pulled ahead of her player and sucked a penalty but unfortunately Essendon couldn't convert. Maria and Phoebe swum up for a 2 on 1 and Maria was able to drag her player across leaving Phoebe free to put the ball into the goal, giving Essendon a slender 8-7 lead at the end of th third. Essendon had their best period at the beginning of the final quarter with Lara shooting a long bomb and Alex scoring a penalty to give us a 10-7 lead. NYP continued to press back and hit lobs which hit home and after bringing the game back to 10-10 it then became 11-11. Essendon managed to turn NYP's ball over with 35 seconds to go and managed a 2 on 1 which Phoebe managed to convert for 12-11 with 6 seconds to go. Certainly the tensest game of the year and Essendon did well to work their way out of it with plenty of players swimming themselves to a standstill to get the win.

Essendon defeated the NYP Dragons : 12 - 11   Goals : Alex 4, Phoebe 2, Lara 2, Maria 2, Emmy 2

Below : WSL2 game night photos against the NYP Dragons courtesy of Torben Fink-Jensen (see more on our FB page)

WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

With only 9 girls available this week, we anticipated a challenging match against a team known for their strong swimming. However, losing 2 more players before the game began made the situation even more daunting without a bench. Then a ray of hope emerged when the whistle blew and we realised they only had 6 in the pool. But we were slow to capitalise, and they'd put 2 goals away as we failed to cover their 5 with our 6 with sloppy defence. Then we settled and started to spread out and look for the extra player. LisaAs did a great job at centre forward to put away our first but as the clock ticked down Old Ivanhoe shot from 7m to score, making it 1-3 at the break. Things were pretty tight in the second, but we still couldn't make the most of our chances, with shots going over the top or straight at the keeper. Sandra in goals ventured down in attack, creating 7 on 5 and as we drew our defenders away, she slipped right in and powered one home. Ivanhoe were quick to respond, with another goal slipping out to 2-5 before their 7th player appeared and entered the foray. They scored again before halftime, their #3 doing most of the damage with 5 of their 6 goals, 2-6. I think we played better in the second half with one-on-one and had better pool balance. We didn't score in the third quarter but created some good chances whilst we contained their #3 and restricted their shots, making it 2-8 at the end of the third. The final quarter saw everyone getting pretty tired, and we'd swapped Sandra into the field and placed LisaAs in goals. Sandra was looking to add to her tally, and got one away early, making it 3-8. But Ivanhoe had all the answers, with #3 bagging 2 of the 4 they got away. But we had one more to add, as Polina got in a lovely shot from 6m before the game closed out. Well done girls on surviving the game without a break!

Essendon were defeated by Old Ivanhoe : 4 - 12   Goals : Sandra 2, Polina 1, LisaAs 1

MSL4 - Report by Ryan Mills

This week’s clash with Melbourne Surge was nothing short of a test of spirit, grit, and unity. The scoreboard may have read 6–6, but the story behind it was one of heart and faith in each other. From the opening whistle, our boys met every challenge with courage. Andy stood in goals like a fortress built on rock — a true brick wall whose resolve didn’t crack under the heaviest waves. Lee, though finding himself cast out of the game, reminded us that even in absence, a brother’s spirit can still inspire from the sidelines. Paul stepped up to the penalty line with the calm of a man who trusts the process — and delivered. Ambrose and Riccardo each found the back of the net, adding their strokes to the canvas of our game. Ryan, in a moment of flow and conviction, slotted home three goals, each a spark that kept the flame alive. In the end, this was more than a match. It was a reminder that sport mirrors life — we face obstacles, we stumble, we rise, and together we hold the line. The final score was shared, but the bond between us grew stronger.

Essendon drew with Melbourne Surge Obsidian : 6 - 6  Goals : Ryan 3, Ambrose 1, Riccardo 1, Paul 1

12&U Mixed 

Footscray/Essendon defeated the NYP Dragons : 16 - 3  Goals : TBC

14&U Girls - Report by Sandra Mink-Grobbe

The girls came up against a very strong Richmond side this week who had 13 available vs our 12. The girls were not fazed and started off with a lot of confidence only down by 1 goal at quarter time. They all worked hard, creating a lot of movement and swimming back to cover Richmond's girls. We scored again but unfortunately Richmond managed to slot in 2. Nothing really changed in the second half as it was still a close game. Although the girls could not get a win, it was obvious to all that they had a massive improvement from their first round game creating room, movement and had some great opportunities. They all should be very proud of their efforts, especially considering the amount of training the opposition has had compared to us. The girls keep on growing every week and this is a great way to get ready for summer.  Keep up the great work! Go Highlighters!

Essendon/Geelong were defeated by Richmond : 3 - 7  Goals : Madeleine 1, Josie 1, Katie 1

14&U Boys - Report by Bec Kirby

Once again, the 3 clubs joined forces to face a strong Melbourne Collegians side. The pregame warm up saw some inspirational words from the coach and some goofing around from the boys. Intentions were set and the boys were fired up and ready to face our fearsome foes... game on!

It was a shaky start, with the Collegian's war cries "I've got 9 ... I've got 7" seeming to rattle our boys. We rallied and attacked the game with vigour, with many attempts at goal and some epic saves from our goalie. Despite gallant efforts all round, we could not find the back of the net and finished the first half 8 nil. I'm not sure what was said at half time, but the boys returned to the pool with renewed energy and it was game on. Intercepts. Shots at goal. Passes that would have hit the bullseye. Lightning fast reflexes from our goalie. One on one battles. The second half had it all. A strong 4th quarter ended the game on a positive note, with our boys managing to get 2 on the board and keeping Collegians to 3. Overall, our boys should be proud of their efforts and, as always, it was great to watch and cheer them on from the pool deck.

Northcote/Footscray/Essendon were defeated by Melbourne Collegians : 3 - 14  Goals : TBC

Yth Boys

Northcote/DVE Aquatic/Essendon were defeated by MC Gold : 6 - 11  Goals : TBC