WSL2 (Editor)

Since I started playing water polo (and that's a long time!) the WSL2 grade has never had less than 6 teams entered for this major State League competition. So it was surprising to learn there were just 4 entries this year. Of further concern was the fact that one of those teams pulled out of the competititon on the afternoon of the first game - leaving our girls without an opponent for Round 1. So it was an enforced "forfeit" win for Essendon, unless the fixture is rejigged and this game effectively ends up as our "BYE". With just 3 teams remaining, it wil be interesting to see if WPV attempt to move up one of the WSL3 teams, to give both grades even team numbers... and elimate the need for a bye in both grades... watch this space.

WSL3 Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

The girls were excited to be back together, having split the squad in two for the Summer Splash.  Even the late game time wasn't enough to dull our spirits which were elevated further with the arrival of Darren Steere on the pool deck.  #supacoach.  Facing a new team in Northcote, we were determined to get off to a solid start.  The first quarter was pretty even with both sides shooting and missing, and giving away the ball with errant throws.  But our youth girls Maddy and Amber got us on the board after Northcote scored to give us a 2-1 lead.  The quarter time spiel was to tighten up our defence and get the ball into centre forward.  So we went out with purpose in the second, and it wasn't long before Josie stepped up with 2 slick goals.  Northcote hit back with one of their own, before LisaAs found the back of the net with a lovely lob.  Halftime, and we were up 5-2.  Darren implored us to get the ball moving up the pool quicker.  Our fast breaks were going unrewarded with the ball lagging on the backline.  But Northcote came out strong and started putting goals away.  They shot 4 for the term, while we only managed 2 through Kerrie and Maddy, closing the gap we had expanded, back down to 7-6 at the break.  We knew we could do better, and Darren told us to focus on getting goal side of our players in defence, get the ball up quickly and play the CF as a first option.  We tightened things up in the final quarter and created more opportunities around goal with Georgia slotting in her first after 12mths off with a knee recon.  Josie followed suit and put 2 away, one a nice penalty.  Northcote still came at us, but were only able to add another 2, leaving us in a position we hadn't experienced for 32 games - we won!!!!!!

Awesome effort from the girls and Supacoach Steere!  Great start to this comp!

Huge shoutout to Darren, for coming in to coach us when the SL2 game was cancelled, and to Libby for making a comeback on table duty!

Essendon defeated Northcote : 10 - 8

Goals : Josie 4, Madeleine 2, Amber 1, LisaAs 1, Kerrie 1, Georgia 1

Below : Our WSL3 team are all smiles following their Round 1 victory

MSL4 Report by Ambrose Mills

Our season, and indeed a new era, commenced precisely on the birth of our Lord, Ambrose Mills. Blessed by this momentous occasion, the team took to the pool with divine inspiration, delivering a commanding 11-3 victory.

​Match Highlights & Top Scorers

​Ryan the Goal Machine: Absolutely dominated the water, netting a massive 6 goals to carry the bulk of the team's offensive weight and rip the opposition apart.

​Jack’s Double: Found the back of the net twice with clinical precision to provide crucial secondary scoring.

​The Supporting Cast : Vincent, Sam, and Paul each chipped in with a vital goal apiece to keep the scoreboard ticking over and seal the dominant win.

Essendon defeated Melbourne Surge Obsidian : 11 - 3

Goals : Ryan 6, Jack 2, Vincent 1, Sam 1, Paul 1

OSL5* Report by Bryan Wee

We lost 6-11. Goals to Haydo, Tom, young Jack got a couple and I didn't miss a free for once!

New team learning how to gel together with lots of rusty old fellas matched by the vigor of youth. Unfortunately they killed us on cherry picks in the first three quarters before we got urselves a litle more organised/ Strong final quarter and hopefully that will carry over in the weeks to come.

Essendon defeated the NYP Dragons : 6 - 11

Goals : Jack 2, Hayden 1, Tom 1, Bryan 1 (TBC)

* this grade has been renamed Open SL5 (formerly Men's SL5) as there are now one or more mixed teams competing