SENIOR SUMMER STATE LEAGUE - ROUND 4

WSL2  (Editor)

A night off for our SL2 girls with a scheduled bye this week. They will come up against the ladder leaders Monash next week.

WSL3  Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

This week we faced Old Ivanhoe, who have made every grand final game in our league for the last 18mths. So we knew they'd be a formidable opposition but were buoyed by the presence of Josie dropping down from the 2s to lend us a hand. We surprised ourselves with a solid start to this game, putting 3 goals on the board - thanks to Josie, Georgia and LisaMS - leaving Ivanhoe scratching their heads with just a single. Up 3-1 at the break, we were keen to get into the second and keep the pressure on. But it was Ivanhoe who stepped up turning the game around and finding holes in our defence and lobbing goals into the net over Sandra's head. We let the shotclock end our attacks, instead of getting the ball up quickly and looking dangerous. Our lead gone by halftime down 3-4. We were playing well, but not applying the pressure in defence, and not looking for our free player when they sloughed back on our centre forward. We produced a much better third quarter matching them on the scoreboard with a solid shot from Sher and a nice fling in from Madeleine. So it was anyone's game in the final quarter at 5-6. Old Ivanhoe lifted again, with their more experienced players getting front water but our defensive efforts held well despite them scoring a single. We had several good opportunities that we just couldn't convert, and so the game slipped away... but it was a solid performance from the girls against quality opposition.

Essendon were defeated by Old Ivanhoe : 5 - 7

Goals : Josie 1, Georgia 1, LisaMS 1, Sheridan 1, Madeleine 1

MSL4  (No Report)

Essendon Vs Footscray

OSL5 Report by Ambrose Mills

​Essendon fell to Richmond in a hard-fought clash, but the final scoreline hid several standout performances. Liam provided the highlight of the match with an absolute rocket of a goal that left the Richmond keeper motionless, while Andrew put on a masterclass in goal keeping to repeatedly deny point-blank Richmond chances. Defensively, Mitchell stole the show in a defining breakout game, completely dominating his matchup against Olympian Rowie Webster with high-intensity pressure. Though Richmond claimed the win, Essendon showed major heart and huge individual wins across the pool to build on for next week.

Essendon were defeated by Richmond : 3 - 7

Goals : Ambrose 2, Liam 1

JUNIOR WINTER COMPETITION - ROUND 3

12&U Mixed  (No report)

Northcote/Essendon defeated Mornington Mist : 9 - 4

Goals : Ella 2, Lily 2, Rachael 2, Isabel 1, Millicent 1, Zach 1

14&U Girls (No report)

Northcote/Essendon drew with the Marlins/Ballarat : 5 - 5

Goals : Anja 3, Alice 1, Millicent 1

14&U Boys Report by Sheridan Mom

This week, we faced a new team from Mornington. While we didn't quite know what to expect initially, they couldn't match our fast breaks or our experience and strength as the game went on. It was a great week for teamwork, passing, and sharing the goals around. Highlights included a special birthday goal for one of our younger DVE players, Jerome, and a successful penalty from Lucas.

DVE/Essendon defeated Mornington Mist : 19 - 2

Goals : Lewis 4, Vishnu 3, Xavier 3, Dean 3, Ashton 2, Charles 1, Jerome 1, Lucas 1, Yoti 1

Below : the 14&U boys this week with DVE coach Mitch Bohan (photos courtesy of Sheridan Mom and Zanthe Bohan)

16&U Girls Report by Lucy Leahy

On a crisp but sunny 15-degree Sunday morning, the Essendon/DVE/Marlins girls were excited to be back in the pool after a bye, taking on third-placed Richmond Black.

Essendon made a strong start, with Maddie opening the scoring just seconds before the shot clock expired. Richmond responded quickly, but some outstanding goalkeeping from Isla, including two brilliant saves, kept the game close before Arly found the back of the net to restore the momentum.

The second quarter was packed with action. Isla continued her impressive form in goals with several more excellent saves, but despite creating opportunities, Essendon couldn't add to the scoreboard after narrowly missing a penalty.

Following an encouraging halftime talk from coaches Darren and Alex, the girls came out with renewed determination. Alice scored the first of her two goals after positioning herself perfectly in front of goal to finish off a terrific pass from Isla C.

While there are still areas to improve—particularly applying greater defensive pressure—the girls showed plenty of determination, teamwork and resilience throughout the match. They should be proud of their efforts and the positive signs they continue to show as the season progresses.

Essendon/DVE/Marlins were defeated by Richmond Black : 5 - 10

Goals : Arly 2, Alice 2, Madeleine 1

Below : our 16&U girls in action this week with coaches Alex and darren Steere (photos courtesy of Sandra Mink-Grobbe)

16&U Boys Report by Bec Romano

This week we took on the mighty Richmond. We started well, defending strongly and only conceded 2 goals in the first quarter. Some great stops and blocks, but unfortunately we hesitated on the attack and the shot clock had us beat a few times throughout the game. We found the back of the net in the third quarter, but unfortunately Richmind did too. The boys finished with a great effort in the 4th, but it wasn't enough to catch Richmond.

Northcote/Essendon/Footscray/DVE/NYP were defeated by Richmond : 3 - 15

Goals : Ashton 1, Hamish 1, Angus 1