Senior Summer Splash R2 & Junior Summer Competition R10

Women's A Grade - Report by Torben Fink-Jensen

We had 10 players tonight, although missing a bit of grunt at centre forward with Phoebe and Gen away. Otherwise it was a pretty warm night to be in the pool. NYP had a team of 8 so we were hoping the numbers would play in our favour. Essendon were out of the blocks early and had a couple of shots on goal but couldn't close either of them, despite several extra man opportunities. NYP were quick on the break and causing us some problems on defence as they managed to pass the ball around effectively and shoot strong shots into the corners, leaving Kate no chance. Down 0-2 at the break. The 2nd quarter didn't bring much more joy with NYP putting bodies on the line and suffering kickouts and a penalty, but it was effective as we couldn't make the most of extra man attacks. They were doubling up on our CF, which makes life tricky at Essendon since we don't have quite enough firepower for outside shots. With Bene having to drop into CF occasionally, we were a bit weakened elsewhere in the pool. At one stage, Emily did a great sprint and with one player to beat, she tried to go around and was obstructed, leading to our penalty chance and Alex putting it away, leaving us 1-5 down at half time. Essendon brought a bit more energy to the 3rd quarter and fewer mistakes but it didn't lead to a goal rush as NYP continued to defend well. We stopped their goals and Lara finally got a shot into the corner to nmake it 2-6. Essendon saved their best for last and powered hard in the final quarter. The game closed up a bit as Essendon knocked in the first two goals with Emmy getting close in to fire home, and Denise smashing home from long range. Then the pressure really went on as NYP's best player was rolled for the game. Unfortunately we lost Mietta on our side as well, and NYP managed to score a match winning goal for 4-7 after a bit of goalmouth ping pong. Essendon had one more in them to end which wasn't enough to get over the line.

Essendon were defeated by the NYP Dragons : 5 - 7  Goals : Alex 2, Mietta 1, Lara 1, Denise 1

BELOW : Women's A game night photos courtesy of Torben Fink-Jensen (see more on our FB page)

Women's B Grade - Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

This game was always going to be tough, up against an experienced SL2 side in Footscray who boast a couple of former SL1 players. With a bench of just 2 this week - we roped in junior Jane to top up our numbers, knowing there would be some demand for the interchange. It was clear from the outset this would be a one sided affair. Footscray put away 6 goals in the first quarter and kept us scoreless. Then Sally got us on the scorecard in the second, but Footscray dominated with another 3. At the halftime break Footscray generously offered us an olive branch and played the remainder of the game man down, giving us an advantage. We struggled to capitalise on the extra player for the most part and crowded the goals instead of setting up properly. We didn't score in the 3rd and Footscray still added more to their haul making the score 1-12 at the end of the third. The final quarter saw us get a little more organised, with Megan putting away a nice shot and Sally backing up her earlier attempt with a second goal. Some great keeping from Sandra all game was a bonus. Might be good to get some girls to training next week for some 6 on 5 pool position work!

Thanks to Hannah for stepping in to do table at the last minute and to Torben who offered to coach us, then disappeared with his camera probably recognising a lost cause when he saw it 🤣🤣🤣

Essendon were defeated by Footscray : 3 - 16  Goals : Sally 2, Megan 1

BELOW : Women's B game night photos courtesy of Torben Fink-Jensen (see more on our FB page)

Men's C Grade - Report by Michael Venosta

The battle was fierce ‘neath the roof of the Dive,

Where Essendon’s men were eager to strive.

The OTG Pups, with their hopes set high,

Found themselves outclassed, no matter how they’d try.

Lee led the charge with five to his name,

A scoring machine, igniting the flame.

Millsy chimed in with three of his own,

In several tussle of fists, his fury was shown.

Mick chipped in two, with accuracy grand,

While Vince, Sam, Lav, and Andy all took a stand.

The Pups tried to rally, but it all went awry,

As Essendon’s skill made the scoreboard fly.

For the second week running, not a penalty missed,

The discipline sharp, too good to resist.

In the nets stood Andy and Paul with a glare,

They guarded their turf with the utmost care.

The Pups could not breach, though they gave it their all,

Essendon stood tall, unyielding, and bold.

With the match firmly won, the crowd gave a cheer,

For Essendon’s prowess rang loud and clear.

A dominant victory, so steady and true,

The Pups were left stranded, with little to do.

So here's to the boys who gave all they could,

And played like the champions that they always would.

With a perfect performance, they took the crown,

As the Dive Pool echoed with victory’s sound!

Essendon defeated the MC Pups : 14 - 3

Goals : Lee 5, Ryan 3, Michael 2, Vince 1, Sam 1, Lav 1, Andrew 1

12&U Mixed / 14&U Girls / Girls Combined 

This week three of our junior sides had a scheduled Bye. There will be no games next week either, due to the TriStates Tournament being run in Geelong.

14&U Boys

Essendon/Monash Vs Richmond Black (result not published)

YthBoys  

Essendon/Monash Vs DVE Aquatic (result not published)

JnrMen - Report by Felix Neal

This weeks game saw us pitted up against a strong Richmond side. The match was called as a scratch  match allowing our coach to hop in and help us out. The game began very close with both teams firing. The first half came to a 3-3 standstill. The second half fell apart as we caused 6, five meter penalties that left us down by 2. The final siren went and despite the loss we were happy with our performance.

Essendon/Monash/NYP Dragons were defeated by Richmond : 0 - 8 (FORFEIT)