Women's A Grade - Report by Darren Steere
Round one and we are back into another competition. Didn’t seem like we had been away very long at all. This was a re-match of our Grand Final victory over Richmond in the State Championships. Both teams had a very full list and we were keen not to let them jump us at the start. In fact, it was us that got off to the quick start, with a nice turn at CF from Gen, followed by an outside shot from Emmy. Richmond then fought back with 3 of their own, so we were down 2-3 at the break. The next two quarters were mirror images, I felt like we controlled the game and created multiple chances in front of goals, only to go unrewarded. Scoreless in both the 2nd & 3rd quarters, whilst Richmond made the most of their opportunities scoring 3 & 3. I think from memory, we had good defensive body position, only to falter for whatever reason, giving away 4 penalties. The last quarter saw us shut down their attack and we kept them scoreless, while Emmy and Benny scored one each. It was a good hitout first up, with plenty to work on.
Essendon were defeated by Richmond : 4 - 9 Goals : Emmy 2, Gen 1, Benny 1
Women's B Grade - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal
The new format for the Summer Splash, saw the grading condensed from WSL1, WSL2 and WSL3 to just two levels - A and B. Being one of just two WSL3 teams in the B grade, meant we'd be up against some very tough SL2 opposition. Having lost Clare and Isi at the end of last year - our 2 highest goal scorers - we needed other players to step forward and take on roles they weren't comfortable with. It also put quite a bit of pressure on our newer players, still finding their feet and gaining valuable game experience the hard way. But we took to the pool determined to give it our best shot, and were surprised with our efforts. We played pretty well for an opening game, with little or no training under our belts. Up against Monash - who won the SL3 comp at the end of last year and had added a high proportion of SL2s to their squad - things started pretty evenly. They put away the first goal, but it wasn't long before a nice pass into Taryn's strong arm slotted our first. They hit the crossbar and Sandra swatted a few away before they scored their second, so we finished the quarter down 1-2. Pretty close in the second too, as both sides had chances that went unrewarded. Monash finally got one through and we were down 1-3 by halftime. Things kicked off in the second half, and we struggled physically to contain them. There were unmarked players swimming through, and we bungled our kickout opportunities not playing the ball around and using the time. Third quarter highlight was a strong goal to Sheridan at centre forward, and a doggedly determined Meg in the final term got one across the line. Monash scored 6 for the second half cementing the game. Plenty to focus on at training - pool positioning, CF and CB work and driving. A good start for game one against a strong side.
Essendon were defeated by Monash : 3 - 9 Goals : Taryn 1, Sheridan 1, Meg 1
Men's C Grade - Report by Matt Roberts
With an air of anticipation and the caressing rays of the setting sun dancing off the pool surface the men of the mighty Essendon water polo team were eager for a return to the pool. With one training session under our belts and well rested after a summer off we entered the pool to take on a Monash side.
There was more sizzle than one of Andy’s Bunnings BBQ’s as the game opened and the lads showed they had lost none of the prowess that took them to within one shot of the premiership last year.
The poor Monash team were underdone on experience and good disciplined polo soon saw us take a handy lead. Luckily we had five on the bench as the 7 minutes of actual playing time was a shock to the system. We finished the first quarter with a handy lead of 2 goals. Over the next three quarters we stuck to our swimming and setting up when not stealing the ball and scoring on fast breaks. It was a delight to watch the crew press hard in defence causing turnovers then swimming for each other and passing in offence to score goals from the loose man. We were that far in front I could even pass to the opposition instead of Millsy at centre forward! Welcome back Vinnie who thought he would join the Mills train and shoot backhanders as well. When you said you were doing your masters I thought it was in physiotherapy but it looks like it was in Water polo the way you went tonight! Apart from everyone scoring backhanders when they weren’t giving the ball to a teammate the highlight of the night was yours truely scoring a goal for the first time in 5 years! I think I might have even nudged into double figures for career goals! Believe me I was more surprised than the opposition when it went in! Enough about me what a return to the pool great team effort right up until the final whistle gang. Get in the pool Monday for Lee’s gentle sessions!
Essendon defeated the NYP Dragons : 17 - 6 Goals : TBC
12&U Mixed - Report by Sheridan Mom
Our partnership with the Geelong Marlins continues, as the 12s took to the pool this weekend. Representing Essendon were Dean and Xavier; and Amia made it for the second game. Considering it was the teams first game in some time, they all played well and had close battles with both Melbourne Collegians and Richmond Black, but still need to remember to defend and to stick closely to your player.
Now it's a week off before Tri-states in Geelong.
GAME 1 : Essendon/Geelong drew with Melbourne Collegians : 5 - 5 draw
GAME 2 : Essendon/Geelong were defeated by Richmond Black : 5 - 7 loss
14&U Girls - Report by Kate Simnett
Game 1 - Vs Melbourne Collegians Blue
The combination Essendon/Geelong team were reunited after the summer break and came out firing! The girls played well together and bagged their second win for the season though with more shot accuracy the margin would have been higher 😉
Essendon/Geelong defeated Melbourne Collegians Blue : 4 - 3
Game 2 - Vs Richmond Black
Our second game resulted in a draw with two excellent goals from Alice J - her first I think? - showing the growing confidence and depth of talent across the team. It was hard to rally in the heat but some inspirational words from Katie (Geelong)... "girls, we don't have to do anything this afternoon - think about how good you will feel if we win two games!" got them fired up to pull back the Richmond lead for a draw.
Essendon/Geelong drew with Richmond Black : 5 - 5
14&U Boys - Report by Ilona Elmore
The 14's came back to water polo with a bang! On paper, we had height, strength and speed, but they haven't been able to get the chocolates so far this season. Either they ate their weeties that morning or training over the break paid off. After being defeated by Geelong earlier in the season, it was a nice change to get a convincing win. And they looked like water polo players finding space, using voices and had good strong shots.
Essendon/Monash defeated the Geelong Marlins : 16 - 4 Goals : Jack 5, Angus 3
Girls Combined
Essendon/Monash were defeated by the Richmond Tigers : 0 - 25
YthBoys
Essendon/Monash were defeated by Melbourne Collegians Blue : 3 - 23
JnrMen - Report by Felix Neal
This weeks game saw a scratch match due to a lack of players but was still enjoyable. Our coach Kai suited up for the match and we kicked off the first quarter. Unfortunately we had a slow start with half time coming to 8-3. The second half found us with some quicker plays and some better defending. However the game was sealed away by MC toward the end of the fourth quarter.
Essendon/Monash/NYP Dragons were defeated by Melbourne Collegians : 0 - 8 (FORFEIT)
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