WSL2 Report by Darren Steere
After dropping down from WSL1, we had a new look WSL2 side that ventured out to Melbourne High for game 1.It was a tight first quarter, with many shots on goals hitting the bar.Alex and Lara scored to give us the lead : 2-1 at quarter time.Sarah had racked up two kickouts in the first quarter, so with only one on the bench, we switched Kate into the field, and Sarah into the cage.We zoned in on our shooting and opened the game up with goals to Olivia, Alex and Mietta. Alex scored again from the penalty spot to stretch the score out to 6-2 at halftime.All players were starting to feel the 8 minute plus time on quarters, but I think Richmond were struggling more, as we put the foot down in this quarter. Goals to Katie, Olivia, Alex and Mietta with 2. Emily playing her first senior women’s game, was getting herself into good positions to shoot and goals will flow soon. Well in control now at 11-3 come three quarter time.With most of the girls playing the last quarter blind, because of the chlorine, we still finished the game off strong. Alex with 2 and Mietta another, plus all girls holding their positions, running out winners.
Essendon defeated Richmond : 14 – 6 Goals : Alex 6, Mietta 4, Olivia 2, Lara 1, Katie 1
WSL3 Report by Lisa Murray-Segal
Originally scheduled to play Melbourne University in our first game of the new season, we were disappointed to hear that they had withdrawn from the competition, and our round 1 game was renamed as a BYE (which we would ordinarily get 3 points for, so kinda happy with that). However, with another team pulling out of the SL2 fixture after round 1 leaving an odd number of teams in that grade too, an opportunity has arisen for the SL2 and SL3 "bye" teams to play off in a friendly game for no points each week (giving everyone an extra game and utilising what would otherwise be an empty pool). WIN-WIN. Given this decision took place after game night, we missed the opportunity to play the "friendly" and subsequently had our "BYE -3 points" taken away. LOSE-LOSE. We will need to be pumped up and ready to start our assault on this comp next week as we face the perpetual Premiers, St Caths.
MSL4 Report by Mike Holtz
Unfortunately, the SL4 team came up short this week with a number of players unavailable and had to forfeit their first game.
Essendon were defeated by La Trobe University : 0 – 8 (Forfeit)
MSL6 Report by Bryan Wee
Tonight the team welcomed Michael. The better looking Venosta brother. But is he also better at water polo? Thus far no. We thought we would have a packed team tonight with the SL4 game off, but instead only managed one on the bench to start before Nick joined us. Whilst we won comfortably it wasn't the most elegant game. We won dirty and rusty. Lots of work to do ahead of next week. Good defence but probably a bit cramped in the set up. We’ll take it though! Goals were Lee 5-6. Rucus 2. Liam 2. Michael 1. Matt 1. Nick maybe.
Essendon defeated Melbourne Surge Green : 12 – 4
Goals : Lee 5, Marcus 2, Liam 2, Michael 1, Matt 1, Nick 1 (TBC - Bryan's guesstimate of goals)
JNR Men Report by Mike Holtz
Unfortunately for our round 1 game, we were unable to field a team, and had to forfeit.
Essendon were defeated by DVE Aquatic : 0 – 8 (Forfeit)
U14 Girls Report by Darren Steere
Unfortunately we didn’t have enough players this week to get a legitimate game, so we had to forfeit.This usually means an 0-8 loss will be recorded against us.Northcote gave us one player to top up our 5, which meant we still played the “friendly” with one player short. The base of our players shone through, and we slowly got better and better as the game went on.On the day, we outscored Northcote and each player had enjoyed the day.
Essendon were defeated by Northcote : 0 – 8 (Forfeit)
U14 Boys Report by Darren Steere
The boys got underway for their opening match at the Melbourne High School pool.Facing the top age MC team, the Seals, they jumped us in the first quarter.So while we were introducing ourselves, they scored 7, making it 0-7 at quarter time.After the break we managed to put more defensive pressure on MC, and we suddenly looked like we had played together before. We slowed them down to 3 goals, while Matthew jagged one for the Red & Blacks : 1-10 at halftime. The rest of the game was very much the same. MC collapsed back after scoring a goal, to allow us to push forward. They caught us on the fast break a couple of times.Three quarter time scoreboard showed 1-13. In the final term, we continued to defend well and Tristan snagged one.
Essendon were defeated by the Melbourne Collegian Seals : 2 – 16 Goals : Matthew 1, Tristan 1
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Essendon’s Sabina Kock and Lilly Holtz made the Victoria U17 team for the Nationals, being held up at the Gold Coast in sunny Queensland. Whilst the side had a win loss ratio of 1:4 it was a great experience for the side who finished in 9th position. Lilly was the team’s top goal scorer with 7. Well done girls!
Essendon’s Josh Holtz made the Victorian U15 team for the nationals, being played on home turf, right here in Melbourne. They managed 4 wins and just 2 losses to finish in 5th place. Josh was the top goal scorer in the side finishing with 13 goals. His performance for the competition has subsequently earned him a place in the Australian Cadet Men’s squad. An awesome achievement – congrats Josh!
BALLARAT JUNIOR TOURNAMENT
This was a pre-season event aimed at junior players to help assist there form and game experience before the Summer State League kicked off. We were unable to generate enough interest for an Essendon team, but we did have Amelia MacDonald representing the club in a Melb Collegian team and Tristan Berge in a Monash team. Amelia played in every quarter of her 4 games and scored 3 goals while Tristan’s team had no bench, so they all got plenty of pool time! Both had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the event – great work! Amelia is pictured below (in red & black).
