WSL2 - Report by Darren Steere

Nine girls fronted up to play the Richmond Tigers this week.  In that nine, we welcomed new players Annie and Katie B. Both players are from Albury/Wodonga originally.  We got off to a good start with the full press defence allowing us to get 3 goals on the board before Richmond scored. Alex, Annie & Emily all scoring one each. Q1: 3-1

The second quarter saw us smother the Tigers with our defence holding them scoreless, while Alex added another two and Mietta chipped in for one. The damper on this quarter, was an injury to Emmy, who got her arm caught up and suffered a slight dislocation. It popped out and then straight back in (we think🤔). Q2: 6-1

Richmond were starting to get frustrated by our full press, and started to rack up their exclusions. Two more goals to Alex and two to Annie, was followed up with a goal to Katie B. Katie M was stopping alot of Richmonds shots, Olivia was having a few shots on goal with no luck. Claudia was having a good defensive game, causing many turnovers.  Q3:11-4. 

The last quarter saw the game open up and we scored at will. The Tigers were starting to feel the effort of defending a player down as their exclusions now outnumbered their goals.  Our girls continued to press and goals came to Claudia, Annie, Katie B and Mietta in the last quarter. Overall a good solid game, Annie & Katie B fitted in seamlessly and we controlled the game from start to finish. 

Essendon defeated the Richmond Tigers : 18 - 7  

Goals : Mietta 5, Alex 5, Annie 4, KatieB 2, Emily 1, Claudia 1

WSL3 - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

This week's game officially marked the new season no-rego-no-play policy.  We knew we had a lot of players who for various reasons were not renewing.  So I was nervous about numbers, though we had mother and daughter newbies Cate and Brona on board from last week, and Sandra's daughter Amber with approval to play seniors this week.  Which was fortunate, because we had 2 girls cancel last minute with work complications.  So we started with 9 players against a young and experienced (not so old) Old Ivanhoe side.  It was pretty close in the first quarter, with both sides taking a while to settle down and get into a rhythm.  Old Ivanhoe got on the board first, but we followed up soon after with Amber scoring her first goal on debut, as the ball spun and trickled over the goal line just out of the keepers reach. Another 2 goals followed for the opposition before Sandra in goals ventured up the pool and shot a top corner winner to keep us in touch at quarter time, down 2-3.  The second quarter was just as tight.  We had a few good opportunities that were wasted as we crowded the centre and passes were intercepted.  Brona scored her first goal ever, whilst under pressure and with Old Ivanhoe scoring another 2 it was 3-5 at the main break.  Our third quarter was our poorest effort for the game.  We continued to crowd the goals allowing Old Ivanhoe to easily slough back on our CF and even after winning 2 kick outs we failed to properly set up and use our time wisely before having a crack. Our defence slipped a little too, and a couple of 2 on 1 scenarios cost us.  Old Ivanhoe put away 4 goals, and we went into the final term down 3-9.  We were able to pick ourselves up in the last quarter, with some better setups and defence, once again proving we could keep pace with this team.  Switching and covering, some good drives and sprints and some great saves from Sandra.  Megan provided a lovely goal from the wing as Old Ivanhoe managed another 2.

With more of our players attending training now, we are starting to see some better form and game play understanding in the pool.  Good work ladies!

Essendon were defeated by Old Ivanhoe : 4 - 11   Goals : Amber 1, Sandra 1, Brona 1, Megan 1

MSL4 - Report by Andrew Cover

Date: Galactic Cycle 18.09.3025

Arena: Aquadome-7, Essendon Prime

The Essendon Water Rats launched a decisive strike in Sector 47, dismantling the Melbourne Surge in a 12-5 rout. Early turbulence threatened the mission, but the Rats realigned, rearmed, and reigned supreme.

KEY DATA:

🛡️ Andy "The Sieve" – Opened the gates of doom for 3 quarters, goals poured in like asteroid showers. Shields recharged too late.

⚡ Ryan "Warhead" – Lit up the Surge with 4 laser-precise goals. A weapon of mass scoring.

🚫 Ambrose – Missing in action. Rumors of Earth-bound distractions. Court-martial pending.

🌊 Paul “Jetstream” – Won 2 swim-ups, then closed shop in goals during the final quarter. Not a single breach. Heroic.

🚀 Vince “Vortex” – Dropped 3 warp-speed strikes, bending space (and Surge defenders) to his will.

👻 Ricardo “Phantom” – Slipped in 2 silent assassinations. Never seen, only felt.

✨ Callum & Young Sam – One strike each from these protostar talents. Future looking bright.

MISSION STATUS:

Early shields were weak, but Essendon flipped the switch in Q4, locking Surge out and firing at will. A dominating performance and a warning to the galaxy: don’t mess with the Water Rats.

Next mission: Classified.

Until then—stay sharp, swim fast, and trust the Force of the Rat.

End Transmission.

Essendon defeated Melbourne Surge Black : 12 - 5 

Goals : Ryan 3, Riccardo 3, Liam 3, SamJ 1, MattL 1, MattR 1, Vincent 1